EC Orders Vigilance, Crackdown to Prevent Secret Attacks

The Election Commission (EC) on Sunday directed law enforcement agencies to maintain heightened vigilance and take firm action to prevent any clandestine attacks that could disrupt the upcoming parliamentary election, assuring that the polls will be held on schedule.

An emergency meeting on law and order was held at Nirbachan Bhaban, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, with four election commissioners and senior law enforcement officials in attendance.

Briefing the media, Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said the EC is not ruling out the possibility of secret attacks and emphasised the need for preventive measures.

“The objective is to ensure such incidents are not repeated and, if attempted, are suppressed firmly. The EC’s message is clear: the election will be held on time, and any attempt to create obstacles will be dealt with decisively,” he said.

The meeting focused on areas requiring enhanced action, including increasing checkpoints to deter militant movement, arresting suspects at large, and enforcing laws against illegal arms and ammunition, particularly lost or missing weapons.

The emergency session was prompted by the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, a potential candidate from Dhaka-8 constituency, on Friday, one day after the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election and a referendum was announced.

Sanaullah said the attack on Osman Hadi was discussed in detail, adding that investigations are underway and individuals involved are being identified. He also noted that many militants previously arrested under special operations, including Devil Hunt, have secured bail and returned to society, a situation the EC seeks to address.

The meeting examined whether recent attacks were isolated incidents or part of a broader plan and whether any lapses had occurred. Sanaullah added that attempts to set fire to election offices in two upazilas indicate the possibility of secret attacks.

“The main objective of the meeting was to prevent any repetition and ensure such attacks are firmly suppressed. A unified message emerged from all forces: anyone attempting to sabotage, obstruct, or damage the election process will fail,” he said.