Officials are adjusting duties based on political loyalties, says DIG Palash

Police in Chattogram have observed that some individuals adjust their work based on which political party might come to power, Deputy Inspector General Ahsan Habib Palash has said.

He made the remarks during a workshop on elections held in Chattogram city.

“Within the election process, there is a tendency among certain officials and individuals to act with the likely ruling party in mind. This creates a major obstacle to a free and fair election,” he said.

“People do not expect this from us. Citizens want us to serve no party, no ideology, no belief. We are not loyal to any party; we are loyal to the people.

“We wish to perform our duties as servants of the public. Yet, wherever the party leader goes, those behind follow the same path,” he added.

Palash urged the chief election commissioner to consider measures to keep such “party-loyal” individuals away from election responsibilities.

He said, “Before, during, and after elections, all political parties, professionals, and government officials involved must have any malpractice suppressed strictly.”

Addressing Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin during the workshop, he said: “Your strict oversight will make us responsible. No leniency can be allowed during elections. Any deviation from electoral rules by political parties must be addressed immediately.

“Should anyone commit malpractice, we will take action at once.”

Highlighting the challenges, DIG Palash said: “One of the key conditions for law enforcement is that most people follow the law. Some will not, and we enforce it for them.

“At the moment, however, political parties are not providing the required cooperation. Due to a lack of unity and internal conflicts, opposing programmes, intimidation, threats, riots, and even killings occur.

“In such a situation, the deterioration of law and order makes it extremely difficult for the police to manage.”