Ensuring law and order in the upcoming polls

As Bangladesh moves steadily toward its 13th national parliamentary election, the urgency to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral environment has never been more pronounced. In any democratic setup, law and order constitute the bedrock upon which fair and free elections are built. Citizens must be able to exercise their franchise without fear, obstruction, or coercion. For a nation that has long grappled with political unrest and questions over the credibility of its electoral process, it is imperative to restore public confidence through robust law enforcement.

In recent weeks, there has been growing anticipation over the announcement of the election schedule. Now, an announcement to this effect is expected to take place in early August. Yet, even before the dates are officially confirmed, the conversation has shifted to a more fundamental concern -- whether the nation's law enforcement apparatus is adequately prepared, both morally and operationally, to manage a volatile political climate surrounding the polls.

This concern is not without merit. The July mass uprising, which shook the foundations of the previous regime, left the country's police force with a deep institutional scar. Allegations of partisanship, suppression of dissent, and the use of force against civilians during previous political crises have tarnished public trust in law enforcement. As a result, restoring the moral credibility and operational discipline of the police force has become a central task for the interim administration.

Against this backdrop, the recent high-level law and order meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus was of crucial importance. Attended by top brass from various law enforcement and intelligence agencies, the meeting marked a turning point in Bangladesh's election preparation narrative. Several critical decisions were taken, with the potential to decisively influence the security landscape ahead of the polls.

One of the most significant steps announced was the special training programme for around 150,000 police personnel, to be conducted between September and November. This training will specifically address election-related duties, crowd management, protection of polling centres, and emergency response protocols. The goal is to depoliticise and professionalize the force -- arming officers not just with batons and shields, but with a democratic understanding of their roles.

In addition, a formidable deployment of approximately 60,000 army personnel is planned during the election period. These troops will function as striking forces, standing by to act swiftly in any area where law and order might deteriorate. Historically, the presence of the military has acted as a deterrent against electoral violence and ballot manipulation. However, the key lies in ensuring that such deployments remain neutral and disciplined, avoiding any perception of interference.

The decision to form a National Information Centre also deserves appreciation. In today's digital age, misinformation spreads faster than bullets. Rumours -- whether about rigging, violence, or false announcements -- can provoke unrest within minutes. A centralized information unit that can monitor, verify, and counteract false narratives in real time will be essential in preserving a calm and informed electorate.

Another important component of the preparation is the upcoming administrative reshuffle. In a polarised political environment, the neutrality of administrative officials -- from Deputy Commissioners to Upazila Nirbahi Officers -- can influence perceptions of electoral fairness. A strategic yet impartial reshuffling could be pivotal in restoring faith in the process.

While these measures inspire hope, they are not immune to scepticism. Many observers have raised legitimate concerns about whether the upcoming election can truly be conducted in a free and fair manner, especially given the long shadow of previous flawed polls. The presence of conspirators, both internal and external, might try, to destabilise the electoral environment. Such a possibility cannot be ruled out. However, it is encouraging to note that the interim government is seemingly aware of these threats and is working proactively to neutralise them.

It is worth remembering that Bangladesh has not witnessed a truly fair national election in many years. That democratic void was a central grievance behind the July uprising. The people rose not only against corruption and autocracy, but also for the restoration of their voting rights. Therefore, the stakes for this election are not merely political -- they are existential for the nation's democratic future.

The roadmap ahead includes a government formed through elections that must undertake systemic reforms to strengthen democratic institutions. Only by reinforcing these foundations the country can stop the re-emergence of autocracy under a different guise. The upcoming polls will be a crucial test in that direction.

From a logistical standpoint, one idea that merits serious consideration is the staggered election model. Under this system, voting could be held in phases -- perhaps in half the constituencies of a district on the first day and the remaining half on the next. This model has several advantages. It would allow for better mobilisation and concentration of law enforcement resources. In practice, the same personnel could be redeployed across multiple phases, effectively doubling the strength in each area without additional manpower.

Such an approach would not only enhance security but also give the Election Commission greater flexibility in managing logistics and addressing any irregularities that may arise in the initial phases. It would also reduce pressure on the communication, transport, and administrative systems, all of which are stretched thin during national elections.

Looking ahead, the Chief Adviser is expected to address the nation at the beginning of August, where the official election date is likely to be declared. According to the joint statement issued after the London meeting between the Chief Adviser and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the 13th parliamentary election could be held in the first half of February -- before the holy month of Ramadan.

Given this timeline, the next six months will be crucial. The interim government must not only maintain law and order but also foster a political environment conducive to free participation. Dialogue among political parties, transparency in electoral management, and a strict code of conduct for candidates and their supporters will be essential. All institutions -- from the Election Commission to the lowest tiers of administration -- must work in synergy to build trust and ensure credibility.

Finally, let us not forget that the primary responsibility of the interim government is to create an enabling environment for elections and ensure their timely and credible execution. Failure to do so risks pushing the country into deeper political uncertainty. Conversely, success in conducting a fair election could become a defining moment in Bangladesh's democratic journey -- marking the end of a dark chapter and the beginning of a new era rooted in legitimacy, accountability, and popular will.

In conclusion, ensuring law and order in the run-up to the national elections is not just a tactical necessity -- it is a moral imperative. A peaceful election is the cornerstone of democracy. The people of Bangladesh deserve to cast their vote freely, without intimidation or manipulation. And it is the solemn duty of the state to make that happen.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com