Election Commissioner (EC) Kabita Khanam yesterday said the Election Commission has decided to deploy army in three hill districts during the second phase of upazila polls, scheduled to be held on Monday.
“Army personnel will be deployed in Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari. A circular will be issued in this regard soon,” she said.
She was speaking at a views-exchange meeting on law and order situation ahead of the second phase of upazila election as the chief guest. The meeting was held at Chattogram Circuit House, where EC Secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed was present as a special guest.
The EC secretary said army personnel will be on the field to ensure a free and fair election in the hill tracts.
He urged tourists to avoid the hill districts and Cox's Bazar during the polls. A letter will be sent to the deputy commissioners in this regard, he said.
During the meeting, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) of Cox's Bazar Mohammed Molla drew attention of the EC secretary saying that Rohingya refugees may be used by candidates during the polls. Molla is returning officer of Cox's Bazar upazila election.
Secretary Helal said they will take necessary steps in this regard.
High officials from administration and police were present at the meeting.
