Dhaka, Jan 12 (V7N) — The Election Commission (EC) has instructed the Law and Order Cell to submit a detailed report on its activities to the Election Commission Secretariat in order to ensure a free, fair, impartial and acceptable 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum and to prevent any pre-election irregularities.

The directive was issued through a letter signed by Mohammad Monir Hossain, Deputy Secretary of the Election Management-2 Branch of the EC Secretariat, on Sunday (January 11).

The letter stated that, in line with EC Circular-9, a Law and Order Cell has already been formed to maintain a peaceful election environment and curb pre-election misconduct. The cell has also been instructed to regularly submit reports on its activities in accordance with its approved terms of reference.

To further expedite the functioning of the Law and Order Cell, all Returning Officers have been asked to urgently submit the list of cell members, including their mobile phone numbers, to the EC Secretariat.

According to Circular-9, the Law and Order Cell will be headed by the Returning Officer of the respective constituency. Members will include the Regional Election Officer, District Election Officer, Superintendent of Police or Metropolitan Police Commissioner, as well as nominated officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other law enforcement agencies.

The cell will be responsible for regularly updating the Election Commission Secretariat on the overall law and order situation in each constituency.

The directive also emphasized strengthening security arrangements in key locations outside polling centers and booths, intensifying operations to recover illegal weapons, and preparing a list of identified criminals. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take effective measures to arrest extortionists, gang members and listed criminals to ensure a peaceful pre-election atmosphere.

The Election Commission reiterated that these measures are crucial to maintaining public confidence and ensuring credible elections.

END/SMA/AJ