Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar has said that there has been no incident or situation that could prevent the upcoming national election from being held in February. “Many things are being discussed in the media, but I hope none of these will affect the election. The polls will take place in February, before the month of Ramadan,” he told reporters after a police training session in Sylhet on Sunday morning.

The training, titled “Enhancing Police Efficiency and Capacity for Smooth Execution of Election Duties,” was held at the Sylhet Metropolitan Police Lines conference hall.

Regarding the symbol of the National Conservative Party (NCP), the Election Commissioner explained, “According to the rules on symbol allocation, the Election Commission must assign one from the approved list. As a constitutional body, the Commission functions strictly within the law and cannot act beyond it. Since the requested symbol is not on the approved list, the Commission cannot allocate it.”

When asked whether there were any challenges in organizing the election, Anwarul Islam said, “We are receiving full cooperation from all law enforcement and defense agencies — including the army, navy, air force, police, and coast guard. So, we don’t see any challenge ahead.”

Asked about the participation of the Awami League, he said, “The activities of that party are currently suspended by law. If suspended, it means all activities are on hold.”

Responding to a question about whether controversial officials from previous elections would be involved this time, he replied, “No controversial person will be given election duties. We are making several laws stricter, giving full authority to field-level administration — including presiding officers — to cancel candidacies, polling centers, or even an entire constituency’s vote if necessary. This will ensure their safety and fairness in duty.”

Earlier in his speech at the training, the Election Commissioner emphasized that the Commission would not tolerate any bias or unfairness: “To ensure the next generation grows up in a democratic environment, the Election Commission will not take sides or favor anyone. Every official — from the police to magistrates, presiding officers, the military, and divisional authorities — must perform their duties as per the law. The Commission’s clear message is that it is neutral and will never bow to injustice.”

The event was attended by Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Kuddus Chowdhury, the Regional Election Officer, the Superintendent of Police, and other members of the police force.