Says EC Sanaullah

Around 15 percent of weapons and 25 percent of ammunition looted from law enforcement agencies remain unrecovered, Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazel Md Sanaullah said yesterday.

Drawing on past experience, he said arms circulation tends to increase during elections, strengthening the influence of criminal groups.

Following the July uprising, about 85 percent of looted firearms and 75 percent of ammunition were recovered, but the rest are still unaccounted for, he added.

"We must identify those who took these weapons and recover them. Creating such an environment will help restore public confidence," he said.

The commissioner made the remarks while addressing a meeting of the Law Enforcing Cell at the Circuit House in Chattogram.

Referring to his recent visit to Cox's Bazar, Sanaullah said the Rohingya camps and border areas would be sealed during the election, allowing only essential transportation.

"These measures will be implemented ahead of the election," he said.

He also urged law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant in protecting minority communities, particularly in areas with minority settlements, warning that vested groups may try to provoke incidents during the election period.

Calling for strict action against misinformation, he said spreading or sharing rumours during the election is a punishable offence.

Responding to a question, the election commissioner said there was no apprehension about the polls and that people were eager to exercise their voting rights.