Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today said the Election Commission would not issue any "unlawful directives" to law enforcement agencies ahead of the local government elections, expressing full confidence in the police.

The CEC made the remarks at a press briefing this afternoon at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium at Rajarbagh Police Lines in Dhaka, following the inauguration of a training programme titled “Enhancing Police Skills and Capacity for Professional Execution of Electoral Duties”.

On preparations for the local government elections, the CEC said, “No unlawful directive will go out from the Election Commission during the polls. I can guarantee that we will not issue anything illegal, and they (law enforcers) have pledged to work for a fair and credible election.”

He stressed that the commission and all stakeholders are committed to ensuring a free and fair election.

“Just as we conducted the 13th national polls smoothly, we aim to hold the local government elections at least to the same standard, if not better. For that, we have sought police assistance,” the CEC said.

He noted that holding a proper election is both a constitutional and legal responsibility of the commission and the police.

Claiming that public confidence in the commission has been restored, he said, “To a large extent, this has happened. From civil service to police, the crisis of trust has been overcome. All law enforcement agencies, the commission, and the administration have proved they can deliver a free and fair election.”

He said the same standards would be applied to the upcoming local government polls, adding that officials had assured him of their commitment.

Asked about the prospects for fair local elections amid concerns that not all weapons looted during the mass uprising have been recovered, the CEC said, “The situation is not worse than during the 13th election. In fact, it has improved. I have confidence in the police. If they remain committed, they can deliver -- they have already proved it. We will not issue any unlawful directive.”

On challenges ahead, the CEC said local polls usually see more candidates, often from the same family, which can lead to clashes in villages and neighbourhoods.

“We will take appropriate measures to address this,” he assured.

Asked whether police can conduct local elections independently under a partisan government, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir present there said, “Yes, it is a partisan government, but a democratic one. We will take all necessary positive measures as advised by the Election Commission to ensure fair polls.”

Responding to a question about whether police morale and image had been restored over the past six months, the IGP said, “That is for you (media) and the people to judge… but I believe our success is one hundred percent.”

According to police, a total of 38,847 police personnel will receive the training under the programme, which is set to begin on September 16.