Maintaining law and order during the election

December is here and Bangladesh enters the election month. A peaceful environment is essential for a fair election. Apart from the political aspect, it is essential to maintain law and order throughout country.

There is news of several violent incidents from all over the country. A man was killed in clashes between two factions of Awami League in Rupganj of Narayanganj, a leader of Netrokona district Krishak League was killed, and another Awami League leader Amirul Islam was killed in Benapole, Jessore. An official of Bangladesh Bank in Khulna was shot and BNP’s Sherpur office was vandalised. Other than this, a woman was killed by her husband in another incident of crime.

Violence and crime, including murder, increase during the election due to political fracas. The situation may deteriorate if the law enforcement does not maintain neutrality and prevent all these occurrences and if the ruling party gets impunity.

If the law enforcement agencies do not act properly, political parties may try to remove their political opponents from the electoral ground.

It is now important to take legal action, including arresting the culprits by investigating all the violence related to the polls.

The law enforcement should keep in mind that their responsibility is to ensure the security of all the candidates and their supporters. There is no scope to be partial or remain inactive. One of the fundamental aspects of the level playing field is that the law will be applied equally for all. There can be no deviation from the rule of law.

It is a matter of concern that when political situation worsens and political violence increases in a country, professional criminals with no political engagement may be further encouraged. Using them in political violence may be relatively easy. Such criminals may also be used for political interests in exchange of money.

If the criminals are spared, they will indulge in more crime. This will have a negative impact on the overall electoral atmosphere.

All parties have to come forward to resolve issues and differences peacefully. A party has to give up any intention of winning the election by force in the first place.

Law enforcement agencies must be proactive as soon as any violent incident takes place. Law enforcement agencies are run by the executive wing of the government.

Instead of asking whether it is realistic to expect impartiality from the law enforcement during the rule of a political government, we can urge the government to allow the law to take its own course. 

The law enforcement agencies must act according to the directives of the election commission. It is the government’s constitutional responsibility to cooperate, not to obstruct the actions.

We all expect that the law and order situation will be conducive to a fair and peaceful election with the sincere cooperation of the election commission, the government, the law enforcing agencies and the political parties.