DHAKA, Jan 07, 2024 (BSS) - Director General (DG) of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) M Khurshid Hossain today said that voting atmosphere in the 12th Jatiya Sangsad election was better than 2014 and 2018 polls.

“The people were voting freely with great enthusiasm. There was no sign of panic among the voters during the polling,” he told the journalists during a view exchange meeting with the media after visiting various polling centers in the capital.

After visiting the Motijheel Ideal School and College polling station, M Khurshid Hossain said the voting was taken place in a very beautiful and peaceful atmosphere.

“So far there has been no problem anywhere in Dhaka city. We are carrying out our duties in coordination with RAB, police and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies. I believe the polls will eventually be held across the country in a peaceful environment,” he added.

Replying to a question about Onside Identification and Verification System (OIVS), the RAB DG said voters will come to the polling station by using this device, adding, “We are only identifying those who are outsiders or non-voters and who are coming to create trouble. IVM devices are being used to identify terrorist type of people.”

He said that centering the election a panicky situation was created by BNP-Jamaat, as they boycotted the election.

Regarding the post-election measures, Khurshid said, “We are not afraid, but there are adequate measures on how to deal with that fear. You can be sure that there is no such danger. None can succeed even if they try.”

About voters’ trust on the law enforcement agencies, he said, “We have always said that voters can vote freely. We have taken all necessary security measures for this.

 We have repeatedly announced that there will be no trouble for casting votes. We have also said that flawless security was taken at every polling station.”

“We are also ensuring the safety of the voters and also polling station and officers and employees engaged in the voting. We have also taken steps to ensure polling station security during the counting of votes so that election officials can return from the center smoothly,” he added.