Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Wednesday told the visiting US pre-election observation team that there will be no violence over the upcoming national polls in Bangladesh.
He told this to the reporters following his meeting with the US delegation at his secretariat office. He told the US delegation that Bangladesh has faced a lot of violence in the past.
The Home Minister further said, “We saw the assassination of the father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Since the prime minister returned to the country in 1981, there have been 19 attempts to kill her. However, the country is now in a peaceful condition. There will be completely violence-free, peaceful elections.”
"The current government has established the rule of law in the country. Moreover, the people of Bangladesh want a peaceful environment. As a result, we do not think that there will be any violence during the elections," he added.
Asaduzzaman Kamal also said that the US observation team was informed that a large number of well-trained members of the police, BGB and Ansar are kept ready to tackle any untoward situation. During the elections, the law and order forces work under the Election Commission.
"Six lakh members of Ansar forces will play a key role in (peacekeeping) the upcoming elections. Police, BGB and Coast Guard personnel will also be there along with them," he said.
Transparent ballot boxes, photo voter lists, and the role of media and social media were all highlighted to the observation team; the roles of the returning officers and presiding officers have been explained to them, the minister added.
"Polling grounds will have police control rooms. There is also the 999 service. As a result, no one can get away with corruption or rigging. Besides, the mentality of political parties has also changed," he added.
If any candidate says that the election was not peaceful or if any political party is concerned about safety, then appropriate action will be taken, the home minister told the US delegation.
"Election Commission can take necessary action," he said.
While responding to a question, Asaduzzaman Kamal said, "We believe that BNP will not join the elections. Elections will take place as per the constitution. The country has a constitution, the government has no opportunity to go beyond the constitution. It is up to the United States if they want to send election observers or not. Our election will be held according to the constitution."
