No scope for election derailment: Armed Forces chiefs

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman asserted on Tuesday that there is "no scope" for the election to be derailed, affirming the unified commitment of the military and civil administration to ensure a transparent democratic transition.

He made the remarks on Tuesday during a visit to Gazipur district by the chiefs of the three services and a meeting with law enforcement officials. Speaking at a high-level coordination meeting, the General stated that the Election Commission, the government, the police, and all branches of the armed forces are unequivocally aligned in their objective to hold a credible vote.

While expressing confidence in the February 12 election schedule, the Army Chief flagged specific security threats, particularly the potential use of mobile financial services like bKash for illegal vote-buyingactivities.

Army Chief warns against use of MFS like bKash for illegal vote buying activities

He revealed that the military has already consulted with the Election Commission to monitor and prevent such digital "money transactions" aimed at influencing voters.

He also warned of potential disruptions by local criminals, including ballot snatching, rigging, and voter intimidation, instructing security forces to take immediate and decisive action.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman issued strict directives to field commanders, authorizing them to utilize all legal tools necessary to maintain order. "Depending on the severity of the offense, you must resort to detention or filing cases-whatever measures are required must be taken," he ordered. The meeting focused heavily on inter-agency coordination to ensure a neutral and peaceful environment for the
voters.

Prior to this meeting, the Army Chief visited Mymensingh on Sunday to inspect preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the concurrent 2026 Referendum.

During his tour, he held strategy sessions with senior military officials and civil administrators, emphasizing the need for professionalism and "citizen-friendly" conduct.

He also inspected troops currently deployed under the "In Aid to Civil Power" mandate, reinforcing the military's role as a neutral guardian of the electoral process.

At the meeting, Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan said criminals are being arrested through operations conducted day and night and that an atmosphere of fear must be maintained among wrongdoers to ensure a fair election.

Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan said visible presence of deployed forces must be increased to build public confidence and ensure a fair electoral environment.

According to a press release from ISPR, the service chiefs exchanged views with senior military officers and officials from law enforcement agencies and civil administration from Gazipur, Narsingdi and Narayanganj districts at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute auditorium.