BNP Media Cell member Mahmuda Habiba, expressing concerns over the adequacy of police deployment for the upcoming national elections, said that 1.5 lakh trained police personnel may fall short of ensuring 2.5 lakh polling booths across the country.

She said: “No matter how empowered the Election Commission (EC) becomes, the police are the ones on the ground, and their active participation is crucial to ensure free and fair elections.” 

Mahmuda Habiba made the remarks on Thursday (Sept 11) at a roundtable discussion titled “Expectations and Challenges of a Free Election,” organized by the Citizens’ Coalition at the CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital.

She also said, “Mass media must actively participate to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.”

Mahmuda Habiba, who is also Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Krishak Dal, urged the government to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) at polling stations and grant access to the footage, noting that it would help monitor the actual scenario on the ground.

Highlighting the BNP’s stance, she reiterated the party’s demand for elections to be held within February, in line with the interim government’s commitment.

The discussion was also attended by BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, noted photographer Shahidul Alam, Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, and National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organizer (Southern Region) Hasnat Abdullah.

MN/SMS