ZCZC
BSS-04
POLLING-CENTRE-SECURITY (with picture)
Full-proof security for RCC polling centres
RAJSHAHI, July 27, 2018 (BSS)-Full-proof security will be ensured to all
the polling centres in the election to Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC)
scheduled to be held on July 30.
“We have undertaken all sorts of security measures to make the election
proper and successful,” said Ifte Khayer Alam, senior assistant commissioner
of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP).
He said the RMP has identified 114 centres out of total 138 as
venerable. Various issues including area-based polling centre infrastructure,
population, road communication and power supply were taken into consideration
in determining the venerability.
RMP focal person Alam said additional security measures will be arranged
for the risky centres.
Besides, overall security measures will be ensured to all centres through
deployment of RAB, police, BGB and Ansar.
Meanwhile, Election Commission (EC) has imposed restriction on staying of
outsiders in the city corporation area till July 31 next.
Syed Amirul Islam, Regional Election Officer, here today said the
Returning Office for the RCC election has already received an instruction
from the EC in this regard.
In a letter, he said, the EC asked the outsiders to leave the city
corporation area by today (July 27), saying no resident from other areas will
be allowed to stay within the RCC jurisdiction.
Simultaneously, all the messes in the city area were also asked to vacate
their borders, including students.
The EC has asked the returning officer to keep mobile teams of law
enforcement agencies operational round the clock for ensuring the voters’
movement during the RCC election.
It also asked the law enforcers to remain alert about the vulnerable
centres to make those free from any untoward incident.
“We are taking all out preparations to hold the upcoming election
successfully and peacefully,” said Amirul Islam.
Training for the presiding officers, assistant presiding officers and
polling officers was completed so that they can take the votes properly.
Ten assistant returning officers are now assisting the scheduled works of
returning officer. He said the office has been working relentlessly for
holding the forthcoming election in a free, fair and acceptable manner.
“Stern action will be taken against those found to be involved in making
the elections questionable,” he further said.
Islam said none will go unpunished if he or she is found to be involved
in hindering the process of holding the election free and fair.
All the disturbing elements will be brought to book as the Election
Commission (EC) will not compromise with anyone in this regard. He said the
EC wants to complete the city corporation elections in a quite meaningful way
to make the same acceptable to all.
Islam said there are 3,18,138 voters including 1,62,053 female voters
who will exercise their right of franchise in 1,026 booths of 138 centers to
elect one mayor, 30 general councilors and 10 women councilors in reserved
seats in the upcoming election.
He said security of all the voters in the upcoming election will be
ensured at any cost on day of balloting. The EC has been working in a proper
coordination with local administration so that the voters can return to their
respective residences safely after casting votes.
A three-tier security measures will be ensured to make the election
free, fair and credible. All the agencies concerned, including the law-
enforcement ones, will render their duties properly to make the election
meaningful and acceptable to all.
He said 30 mobile courts led by executive magistrates will work here to
monitor the election. Magistrates will remain with the striking force with
BGB in every ward.
Ten judicial magistrates will also work. At every polling center, 22 to
24 police and Ansar men will be deployed. Besides, one observer will remain
in each of the 30 wards on behalf of the EC.
Besides, each ward will have a mobile striking force of RAB and police on
the day of polling.
BSS/AH/AKM 1114hrs