The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Kazi Habibul Awal, has raised concerns about potential chaos and violence leading up to the upcoming Upazila Parishad elections. Addressing a meeting with divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, regional election officers, and superintendents of police, the CEC emphasized the imperative of ensuring a fair electoral process.

"The election must be fair at any cost," stated CEC Kazi Habibul Awal during the gathering held at the auditorium of Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka. He underscored the significance of upholding democratic principles and expressed apprehensions that failure to conduct a fair election could undermine the democratic progress achieved in recent parliamentary polls.

The Chief Election Commissioner emphasized the need for a transparent and inclusive electoral process to uphold the democratic continuity established in Bangladesh. He urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure a peaceful and fair election environment.

Earlier, Election Commission Secretary Md Jahangir Alam expressed optimism about the upcoming polls, stating that he did not perceive any immediate threat of violence. The Upazila Parishad elections are scheduled to be conducted in phases, with the first phase involving 150 upazilas and the second phase comprising 160 upazilas. Subsequent phases are planned for May 29 and June 5, respectively, covering a total of 112 upazilas in the third phase and an unspecified number in the fourth phase.

The Election Commission is taking proactive measures to address potential challenges and ensure a smooth electoral process across the country.