Police supers thanked for holding ‘election of international standard’

Police personnel stationed all over the country were offered a feast to celebrate their success in carrying out duties as per ‘design proper’ in holding 11th parliamentary elections, law enforcement sources said.

Superintendents of police, posted in each of the 64 administrative districts and metropolitan areas, were given thanks in letters sent from the police headquarters.

The letters invariably mentioned that the election was held in a fair and beautiful atmosphere and following international standards.

However, the opposition blamed the ruling party men and administrative machinery including the police, for, according to allegations, ballot stuffing, violence, fictitious cases and arrest of leaders and campaigners, and stopping voters from exercising their rights during the 30 December elections won by the ruling Awami League-led grand alliance.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) organised a feast for the police personnel of 30 thanas (stations) and all units on Saturday, about a week after the parliamentary polls.

The feast was arranged at the police headquarters on Sunday. Such arrangement was made all over the country at the directive of the police headquarters, the police sources said.

On 20 November, a committee was formed with the deputy inspector general of police as its chief to oversee and coordinate the duties of the police personnel during the parliamentary elections. The committee assigned eight top officials of the police to look after four zones during the election process.

These officials sent the letters issued to the police superintendents on 31 December.

“I congratulate you for successfully carrying out your duties. I strongly believe you have been able to perform the duties vested upon you showing strong leadership, professional strategies and skills, dedication, prudence and proper planning,” reads the letter.

It pointed out that the police officers had been successful in holding ‘ballot in safe atmosphere’, maintaining pre-polls atmosphere, and addressing situation during and after the elections.

“Your pro-people and timely steps as required tor the country and the nation would play the role of a catalyst in building self-reliant Bangladesh,” the letter added.

It termed the election as one of international standard - something which was doubted by many.

Former cabinet secretary Ali Imam Majumder felt that the whole process of the elections should be investigated.

Asked about the feat, deputy inspector general of the police (media wing) Ruhul Amin told Prothom Alo that it was a routine arrangement.

“The forces were busy and tired while performing the election for quite a long time. So, it was an entertainment for them,” he said.