Ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election, Bangladesh police have urged “stricter” regulation of mobile banking activities and enhanced telecommunications monitoring to ensure a fair voting environment.
The recommendations came during a conference on Tuesday at the Election Commission building auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka. The meeting, convened by the Election Commission, brought together deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, all Range DIGs, divisional commissioners, and regional election officers.
Addressing concerns over unaccounted money influencing the election, Ahsan Habib Polash, DIG of the Chittagong Range, said: “Those associated with mobile banking services may experience an increased flow of money during the election period. Steps should be taken to ensure this does not occur before the election. Regulation is necessary.”
Rajshahi Police Commissioner Dr Muhammad Zillur Rahman recommended: “If we can bring digital money transfers through services such as bKash or Upay under a defined ceiling via Bangladesh Bank, and consider a study on total transfers over a seven-day period… and issue a circular accordingly, it will raise awareness among the service providers and help regulate the flow of funds.”
Emphasizing the need to strengthen telecommunications monitoring, Sylhet Police Commissioner Abdul Kuddus Chowdhury said: “Following 5 August 2024, the activities of NTMC were somewhat restricted. Considering the current situation, if access to NTMC can be restored to previous levels, it will enable us to intensify efforts in recovering illegal arms, arresting criminals, and preventing disruption during the election. This matter requires consideration.”
