Staff Reporter:
The Election Commission (EC) has ordered the authorities concerned to enhance security and surveillance at all polling stations across the country in a bid to hold the 7 January election in a free and fair manner.
The EC issued this order on the final day of the nationwide election campaign, which was marred by various incidents of arson attacks, clashes and counter clashes among political leaders and activists.
The commission this evening released the order in a letter signed by Atiar Rahman, Deputy Secretary of the Election Management Wing-2 of the EC.
In the order, the commission said it has established a total of 42,024 vote centres at government and nongovernment educational institutes across the country.
The letter instructs the relevant authorities to enhance security and vigilance at polling centers by consulting with the presidents and secretaries of the managing committees of educational institutes.
On the last day of the election campaign, which was Friday, four polling centers were set on fire in three constituencies of Rajshahi.
Miscreants hurled petrol bombs to set fire to the polling stations, resulting in the burning of school furniture, including books and papers in the greater Rajshahi division.
Additionally, two hand bombs were discovered in front of one of the polling stations in the area.
Rafiqul Islam, additional superintendent of police and spokesperson for Rajshahi district police, said that the flames caused damage to various school materials and documents.
