Dhaka, Bangladesh: Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to Chief Executive Muhammad Yunus, has said the interim government faced an Indian misinformation campaign but remained steadfast in its commitment to ensure free and fair elections, and put in place strict security and administrative measures.
Talking exclusively to Pakistan TV in Dhaka, Shafiqul Alam said the interim government has deployed some 900,000 police and other security forces, including over 100,000 military troops. “We have never seen such unprecedented level of security before,” he said.
Alam said several thousand voting centres identified as vulnerable have received reinforced security, with 16 to 19 officers deployed at each location.
He said the army will function as a striking force, ready to respond immediately to any disruption, while border guards will secure centres along the borders.
The press secretary said the administration has carefully appointed neutral officials at every level, from district commissioners to police chiefs, to ensure no partisan influence over the electoral process.
“There is no way anyone can attack a voting centre or a voting booth, and then snatch a ballot box,” he said, adding that, “I think it will be a safe and very peaceful election”.
He said these arrangements reflect the government’s commitment to neutrality and transparency.
Central to the vote is the proposed July National Charter, a sweeping reform package developed after nine months of dialogue between the interim government and political parties.
According to Alam, the reforms reflect a broad public demand for “sanskar”, or structural change, a call echoed widely by young people and civil society.
He said whoever assumes power will have to implement the changes due to widespread national consensus.
Shafiqul Alam also voiced concern over what he described as an unprecedented wave of misinformation and disinformation from sections of the Indian media.
He said the government was “taken aback” by unprecedented level of misinformation and disinformation propagated by the Indian media.
He said there was flood of misinformation coming from Indian media about the interim government and the minority Hindu community.
“These stories are false and fabricated,” he said, rejecting allegations of widespread violence.
Shafiqul Alam said the interim government had invited Indian journalists to visit Bangladesh, offering expedited visas and access to locations where alleged incidents were reported.
Despite the tensions, he reiterated that Bangladesh seeks constructive regional relationships based on mutual respect and fairness.
Alam said the country’s focus remains firmly on protecting democracy and ensuring that its future is determined peacefully through the ballot box.
.jpg)
