Will suspend polling if fake votes are cast

Election Commissioner Ahsan Habib Khan

Election Commissioner Ahsan Habib Khan has issued a stern warning that any instance of casting fake votes will lead to the immediate suspension of polling activities at the affected centres, and the responsible government officials will face dismissal.

Khan declared, "The moment a fake vote is detected at any centre, that centre will be shut down. All involved officials, including the presiding officer, assistant presiding officer, and polling officer, as well as agents and public servants implicated in the act, will be terminated from their duties. Our goal is to conduct an election that is not only free and fair but also celebratory."

This statement was made in Pirojpur on Tuesday (December 26) following a meeting that discussed the election code and related matters, chaired by Barishal Divisional Commissioner Shawkat Ali.

Emphasizing the need for collective effort, Khan appealed to all stakeholders, stating, "Every voter's eyes are on us. This election is under the scrutiny of the public, political leaders, the government, and even international observers. We have a responsibility to uphold our nation's integrity, protect our economy, and safeguard our democracy. To achieve this, cooperation from every quarter is essential."

Additionally, he highlighted the role of media in the electoral process, mentioning that the Election Commission is ensuring that media personnel have all necessary facilities to effectively function as the Commission's eyes and ears.