The Election Commission (EC) has ordered enhanced security at the offices of returning officers (ROs) and assistant returning officers (AROs) across the country ahead of the 13th parliamentary elections and the referendum.
It has also directed the deployment of the required number of police personnel at these offices.
The directive was issued through a letter signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain on Thursday.
According to the letter, the schedule for the 13th parliamentary elections was announced on December 11, followed by notifications appointing returning and assistant returning officers to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the polls.
Considering the prevailing law and order situation during the election period, the EC said it is essential to ensure the safety of important documents, election materials and equipment kept at the RO and ARO offices.
In this context, the commission requested the relevant authorities to issue instructions for deploying adequate police forces to ensure security at those offices.
Earlier, in view of the upcoming elections, the EC had also sought additional security for the Chief Election Commissioner, four election commissioners, the EC secretary, field offices, and three regional election officers appointed as returning officers.
The commission further requested enhanced security arrangements for the Chief Election Commissioner, including an additional police escort vehicle during the election period. It also asked for round-the-clock security for the four commissioners and the senior secretary, covering both their residences and offices.
The 13th national parliamentary elections and the referendum are scheduled to be held on the same day, February 12 next year.
According to the EC roadmap, the last date for submission of nomination papers is December 29, scrutiny will take place from December 30 to January 4, and appeals against scrutiny decisions can be filed until January 11. Disposal of appeals will run from January 12 to January 18, while the last date for withdrawal of candidacy is January 20. The final list of candidates along with symbol allocation will be published on January 21. Election campaigns will continue from January 22 until 7:30am on February 10.
