Mobsters will be scattered, can’t stir chaos during polls, CEC tells US envoy
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has assured the US Charge d’Affaires Tracy Ann Jacobson that mob violence will be rendered impossible during the upcoming parliamentary elections due to the logistical reality of holding polls across 300 constituencies simultaneously.
The assurance came during a high-level meeting at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon on Monday, where Jacobson raised concerns about the potential for organised mob violence to disrupt the electoral process.
In response, the CEC offered a strikingly vivid prediction: “The election is still some time away. But when voting happens, all 300 seats on the same day, people will be scattered across 300 locations. Those who create mobs will have to go to their own constituencies. They won’t be able to gather in large numbers. Dhaka city will be empty. The very structure of the election will dismantle their ability to facilitate chaos.”
Mob culture vs election logistics
The CEC dismissed fears of large-scale unrest, arguing that the geographic dispersion required by nationwide polling will naturally break up any concentrated attempts at destabilisation.
“Those who thrive on street power will find themselves isolated in their own districts,” Nasir Uddin explained. “You can’t run a mob from a voting booth.”
Rumours in the air – CEC’s message: Don’t listen
Jacobson also raised concerns about rumours and conspiracy theories circulating in media and digital spaces, which could inflame tensions.
To that, the CEC replied with a wry but firm remark: “This country is a country of rumours. We want to eliminate them. But until then, don’t listen to rumours.”
He urged both international observers and the public to rely only on official information from the EC.
EC in close coordination with law enforcers
On the critical issue of law and order, the CEC emphasised that while the Election Commission does not command the police or military, it maintains close coordination with all security agencies.
“The responsibility for holding the election rests with us,” he said. “So, ensuring peace and order is not just a priority, it’s essential. We are in constant contact with the police, the army, and other forces. We support them wherever needed to keep the process safe and fair.”
US embassy seeks clarity amid transition
The meeting, originally scheduled for the previous Thursday, was postponed due to student-led protests near Agargaon, underscoring the volatile political climate.
Jacobson was accompanied by David Moo, Head of Political Affairs at the US Embassy, and political analyst Firoze Ahmed.
The discussion covered a range of electoral concerns, including voter registration, reform progress, expatriate voting, and the role of state institutions in ensuring neutrality.