Dhaka: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda on Thursday urged the law enforcers not to harass presiding officers by visiting their houses to collect information as it embarrasses them.

‘We didn’t tell the police to gather information by visiting the houses of polling officials. Don’t do this as it only embarrasses them. We don’t want this. ‘If you need any important information, then collect it secretly,’ he said.

The CEC came up with the remarks while speaking at a special meeting with law enforcers at the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban, reports the UNB.

Claiming that no innocent person was arrested after the announcement of the election schedule, the CEC said, ‘Don’t arrest anyone without warrant and also don’t file any case against anyone to harass them. I hope you people aren’t doing this.’

After December 15, small teams of the armed forces will be sent to each district to work at the field level, he said adding, ‘Coordinate with them accordingly.’

He said the help of every government agency is needed to hold fair election as it is not possible to do that by the Election Commission alone.

‘The people of the country expect that the commission will hold a fair election. So, we’ve taken all the necessary measurements for holding a fair election. But, the commission alone cannot hold a fair election...the cooperation of all the government agencies is needed,’ he said.

‘The safety of the general people, polling agents, polling centres and all other kinds of safety depend on you. You’ve lots of responsibilities,’ the CEC told the law enforcers.

He hoped that the police will perform their duties with devotion and sincerity.

Mentioning that the EC believes in the independence of law enforcers, he said, ‘We’ve the faith in you. That doesn’t mean you won’t be there in our surveillance, but don’t get scared of that.’

‘No innocent person will be punished. If any complaint is lodged against any member of law enforcement agencies, the Commission will investigate it first,’ he added.

Four election commissioners, EC secretaries, additional secretaries, public security secretary, IGP, director General of National Identity Registration department, DMP commissioner and senior officials of the police were, among others, present at the meeting.