The Election Commission (EC) announced significant changes in the police force yesterday through a series of withdrawal and transfer orders. This move aims to ensure fairness and neutrality in the upcoming 12th Parliamentary Election.
Key Takeaways:
- The commissioners of two metropolitan police units (Barishal and Sylhet) were withdrawn, along with one deputy commissioner and five superintendents of police.
- Three police station chiefs were transferred outside their current districts.
- The EC seeks recommendations from relevant ministries to replace the withdrawn officers with experienced and compatible individuals.
Specifics of the Reshuffle:
- Barishal Metropolitan Police (BMP): Commissioner Md. Saiful Islam was withdrawn. Locals alleged his close ties to former Barishal city corporation mayor Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah, leading to demands for his transfer.
- Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP): Commissioner Elias Sharif was withdrawn. No specific reasons were given by locals.
- Brahmanbaria: Deputy Commissioner Md. Shahgir Alam was withdrawn. He will be replaced by Md. Habibur Rahman, Deputy Director of the Local Government Division in Kishoreganj.
- Noakhali: The Superintendent of Police (SP), Md. Shahidul Islam was withdrawn. Allegations of corruption and deteriorating law and order were cited as possible reasons.
- Habiganj: SP SM Murad Ali was withdrawn.
- Pirojpur: SP Md Shafiur Rahman was withdrawn.
- Satkhira: SP Kazi Moniruzzaman was withdrawn. He faced allegations of corruption, including a complaint filed by gold trader Sheikh Saifullah.
- Meherpur: SP Md Rafiul Alam was withdrawn.
- Manikganj: The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Manikganj Sadar Police Station was transferred.
- Manikganj: The OC of Singair Police Station was transferred.
- Gazipur: The OC of Sreepur Police Station was transferred.
Replacement Process:
The Election Commission has asked the senior secretaries of the Home Ministry’s Public Security Division and the Public Administration Ministry to provide suggestions for finding suitable replacements for the officers who were withdrawn. The aim is to appoint experienced and compatible individuals to ensure transparency and fairness in the upcoming election.
Impact:
The decision made by the EC will have a big effect on the election process. The commission wants to make sure that all political parties and candidates have an equal chance by removing officers who are accused of being biased or corrupt. This shows that the EC is serious about having free and fair elections.
The reshuffle by the Election Commission shows that they are determined to make sure that the parliamentary election is honest. They want to make sure that everyone involved in the election process is treated fairly and that there is no corruption or bias in the police force.