KHULNA, Jan 6, 2024 (BSS)-The Election Commission (EC) in collaboration with local administration have taken up five-tier security measures in all six constituencies of Khulna for holding 12th parliamentary polls in a free, fair, transparent and peaceful manner tomorrow.

As part of its security measures, a total of 16,000 law enforcers have already been deployed in Khulna city and district, said Khondokar Yasir Arefin, Returning Officer (RO) of Khulna, in a press briefing held at the Circuit House conference room today. 

Of the law enforcement agencies, a total of 3,083 police have already been deployed in Khulna-2 and Khulna- 3 constituencies and 2,142 have been deployed in Khulna-1,4, 5 and 6 constituencies of the district. 

The remaining law and order forces including 9,588 police, 96 battalions of RAB, 19 Platoons of BGB, 596 Coast Guard, 13 naval police, 646 Dafaders and Mohalders and 600 Army men. 

Arefin, who is also the deputy commissioner (DC) of Khulna, said a total of 19, 99,892 voters including 9, 99,808 female voters are expected to cast their votes in all 793 vote centers including 548 sensitive centers. 

At least 46 executive magistrates and 15 judicial magistrates were deployed in all six constituencies, he said, adding that seven allegations have been investigating by the judicial inquiry committee while seven have sent to Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP). 

“We have landed two people in the Jail while Taka 1,43,500 were realized as fine from 28 campaigners who violated the election code of conduct,” he said.

He, however, said 115 country’s observers will observe the polls while Principal Secretary of Indian Election Commission Md Omor will observe the polls here.

Replying to various questions, the RO said, “Presiding officers, assistant presiding officers and election related materials including ballot papers and ballot boxes are being started to send to the remote coastal belts this afternoon especially 127 rivers surrounding 694 vote centers while remain materials will send in the early hours tomorrow.

Seeking cooperation from the Journalists during the polls, the RO said, all out preparations were taken to hold free, fair and credible elections tomorrow.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) of Khulna Pulak Kumar Mondal, Director of Local Government of Khulna DC Office Mohammad Yousuf, Election Commissioner of Khulna Farazi Azmal Ahmed, among others, were present in the briefing.