Staff Reporter:
Human rights organisation Odhikar has called upon the Election Commission (EC) and law enforcement agencies to take a more active, swift, and impartial role to ensure free and fair elections.
Speaking at a press conference in a hotel in the capital’s Gulshan, the organisation emphasised the need for stronger security presence in rural areas and key constituencies during the upcoming National Parliamentary Election and Referendum.
Odhikar stressed that the safety of minorities and other vulnerable groups must be given the highest priority. It recommended extending the deployment of security forces beyond the limited three-day period after the election.
The organisation also urged adequate deployment in important areas including Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, highlighting that prompt and impartial action is crucial in cases of intimidation or untoward incidents.
Odhikar further proposed setting up complaint desks under the EC at the local level to enable citizens to report electoral violence and receive swift redress.
It underscored the importance of close coordination between the EC and law enforcement agencies during and after the election period.
At the press conference, Odhikar said civil society and the media should document incidents of electoral violence, if any, and amplify victims’ voices to ensure accountability.
The organisation also called upon international partners to actively engage with all election stakeholders to help ensure a free and fair election.
