Sylhet, Nov 07 (V7N) — The Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) has begun preparations to ensure a peaceful and fair environment ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national parliamentary elections. Law enforcement authorities have prioritized maintaining law and order, ensuring voter safety, and providing equal opportunities for all candidates.

Speaking at a coordination meeting held Thursday afternoon at the SMP headquarters, Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Quddus Chowdhury said, “We have already started field-level preparations for the upcoming national election. Our main focus is to protect lives and property, uphold the electoral code of conduct, and ensure equal opportunities for every candidate.”

The meeting brought together candidates from Sylhet-1 and Sylhet-3 constituencies, senior police officials, and officers-in-charge from various police stations. Discussions centered on maintaining voter security, ensuring discipline during campaign activities, and exercising caution in the use of social media.

Commissioner Chowdhury urged candidates to cooperate with law enforcement to help ensure a smooth and peaceful election. “If all candidates work with us to maintain order, we will be able to deliver a peaceful and transparent election — that is our goal,” he said.

The participating candidates welcomed the police initiative, emphasizing their collective commitment to a fair, competitive, and democratic election process. They also stressed the importance of maintaining a friendly and tolerant environment throughout the campaign period.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Commissioner Chowdhury told reporters that the police would remain strictly neutral during the election. “No candidate, party, or individual will receive any special privilege. The SMP will act with complete impartiality. Our top priority is to ensure that citizens can vote freely and safely,” he said.

Officials from the Election Commission and other local administrative departments were also present at the discussion.

END/RIM/SMA