Shujan roundtable speakers flag law and order as threat to peaceful election

Speakers at a roundtable organised by Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan) in Pabna expressed deep concern over the existing law and order situation, suggesting it poses a significant threat to a peaceful election environment.

​The event, titled “Peaceful Election and Democratic Development: Citizen Thinking,” was held at the Pabna Press Club auditorium this afternoon and chaired by Abdul Matin Khan, president of the Shujan's Pabna district unit.

Md Habibur Rahman, an organiser of Shujan’s Chatmohar upazila unit, said, “The existing law and order situation is not conducive to holding a peaceful election. People in remote areas are living under security threats, and rampant arrests continue as before.”

He added that if the security situation does not improve, holding a peaceful election in February will be impossible.

​Freedom fighter Abdul Hai of Sujanagar upazila said in previous elections, the government confiscated licensed firearms and launched drives to recover illegal ones. “This year, the scenario is different; no steps have been taken to deposit licensed firearms into government custody. Furthermore, candidates now require more personal security guards, which deeply worries voters.”

​Prof Rafikul Islam, a senior teacher at Pabna Edward College, questioned the possibility of a peaceful election environment, citing an incident where a candidate was reportedly forced to leave the election office in the presence of the returning officer.

​Mutmainna Kakoli, a college teacher, expressed her fear regarding election duty, citing the poor security situation and “mob culture.”

“Considering the existing law and order situation, many of us are trying to cancel our election duties (as presiding officer, assistant presiding officer), but we are unable to take out our names from the list,” she added.

​Beyond security, most speakers claimed that the majority of voters are completely unaware of the upcoming referendum and its subject matter.

​ABM Fazlur Rahman, president of the Consumer's Association of Bangladesh, Pabna unit, said, “Most people at the grassroots level do not know the details of the reforms. Even though the referendum will be held concurrently with the national election, most citizens are unaware of the subject.”

​Several speakers said a portion of the population is unsure whether the election will even take place on 12 February as scheduled.

​Pabna Press Club President Akhtaruzaman Akhter remarked that despite students and citizens sacrificing their lives in the July movement for a change in the country's existing system, the reality is different. “No major change is visible; in fact, the situation has become more challenging in different sectors,” he added.

​As the keynote speaker, Shujan’s Central Coordinator Dilip Sarkar noted that similar roundtables across the country showed a similar alarming picture about holding a peaceful election.

​“The situation is yet to improve as the election date approaches, which is even more alarming,” he said.

He concluded by stating that Shujan is collecting opinions from across the country to prepare recommendations for a peaceful election.