Army will join police and BDR in the on-going countrywide drive to recover unauthorised arms from today at the instruction of the EC. reports UNB.
The police have recovered some 735 firearms and a huge quantity of ammunition since the drive began on December 21. but the Election Commission has expressed its dissatisfaction over their performance.
The deployment of Army was decided at a meeting between the CEC and the chiefs of Army. Navy, • Air Force and BDR on Saturday.
The CEC ordered the law enforcing agencies to recover
criminals before the February 7 polls.
Army has short-cut its winter exercise to assist the Election Commission in recovering illegal arms and maintaining law and order during the electioneering period, sources said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). Justice AKM Sadeque yesterday directed local-level police administration to take stern action against anyone who violates electoral rules and regulations.
He was addressing ths concluding session of a train-
ing workshop on Electoral Crimes. Misconduct and its Prevention' organised for the OCs (Officer-in-charge) at the Electoral Training Institute in the city's Mohammadpur area.
The CEC said the role of the local law enforcing agencies is very significant in the maintenance of law and order during polls.
"They should remain neutral in discharging their duties, with courage, rising beyond any influence," he said and urged them to maintain an atmosphere conducive to holding elections in a free and fair manner.
Sounding a note of warn
Ing for the police officers themselves. Justice Sadeque mentioned that they were now being treated as appointees on deputation of the Election Commission for the election period.
"That is why," he cau- ~ tioned, "the EC will take necessary action If anybody found involved in irregularities. negligence and corruption."
Justice Saddeque advised them to take action after being aware of pre-election irregularities and crimes against those responsible.
Election Commissioner Justice Md Abdul Jalil and /Additional Secretary of the Commission SM Zakaria were also present on the occasion.
A total of 259 OCs from across the country attended the workshop in the first phase.