Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah on Sunday said no mainstream political party has been found to be involved in the recent acts of vandalism targeting the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star following the killing of Osman Hadi.
He made the remarks while briefing reporters after a law-and-order meeting held at the Election Commission headquarters to review the pre-election security situation, joint forces’ operations, and enforcement of the code of conduct.
The meeting began at 2:30 pm at Election House, with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin in the chair. Earlier in the day, the Commission also held a separate meeting with the chiefs of the army, navy and air force.
Sanaullah said information received from relevant agencies showed that no major political party was linked to the subversive activities. “However, a particular group is carrying out targeted attacks in urban areas with the intention of creating instability and disrupting the election process,” he said.
He described the attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star as acts of vandalism, adding that at least 20 individuals had been identified in connection with the incidents and that legal action was underway.
Speaking about discussions with the service chiefs, the election commissioner said around 100,000 army personnel would be deployed during the parliamentary elections. About one-third of the force is already in the field, while the remaining members will be deployed in phases.
He added that joint operations involving the armed forces and executive magistrates would be coordinated through district-level control cells. “Technical aspects of command and control have already been finalised,” Sanaullah said.
