DHAKA, Dec 22, 2023 (BSS) - Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner Habibur Rahman today reiterated that any kind of anarchic activities and vandalism in the name of political programmes would not be tolerated.

"Troublemakers will be dealt with an iron hand if they try to disrupt the election process on the polling day on January 7," he told BSS. 

Rahman said a vested quarter is making evil attempts to create an unnatural situation over the national elections, but the police would make its all-out efforts to ensure a fair, free and peaceful election.

All-out measures have been taken to hold the 12thn Jatiya Sangsad elections in a peaceful manner averting any untoward incident, he mentioned.

"We got directives from the Election Commission to hold the election peacefully. We will extend all-out support as per the directives," he said.

Rahman said the EC gave directives so that no chaos takes place and no third party can cause any kind of violence during the poll period.
He said that holding peaceful elections this time is a double challenge due to the threats of election opponents.

Police would ensure security to voters so that they can freely cast their votes as per their wish in a festive mood, he said, adding all-out support would be given as per the EC directives.

"We have taken all out measures to ensure voters' security on their way to the polling centre safely. Police will work to create a congenial atmosphere on the polling day. Police have the capacity to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election," he said.

Referring to a recent arson attack on a moving train, he said since October 28, various types of subversive activities, including arson, have been carried out.
 
The police have been able to uncover the incident as criminals have been brought to book, he said. 

Various measures have been taken to prevent such attacks in the future, he said. 

Rahman said that the election related stuff would be sent to the centre on the previous day of the elections.
"Only the ballot papers will be sent in the morning of the polling day. The Election Commission introduced the process in some by-elections earlier." 

Separate decisions were taken for remote hilly and haor areas, he said, adding if there is a joint effort of all, the election will be held peacefully.