Highlights
- DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali said videos of flash processions on social media do not reflect real-life events.
- The police are preparing nationwide for the upcoming general election with special training programs.
- Sajjat Ali warned that a banned political party might try to create unrest but assured the police are on alert.
- He hopes a fair and credible election atmosphere will form by the end of November.
Social Media Processions Are Not Real
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali has dismissed claims that flash processions are taking place in Dhaka, saying such videos on social media are misleading.
Speaking to journalists after a Road Safety Seminar organized by DMP and JICA at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital on Thursday afternoon (October 23), he clarified the situation.
“সোশ্যাল মিডিয়ায় ঝটিকা মিছিলের ভিডিও ছড়াচ্ছে, বাস্তবে তেমন কিছু নয়। এতে আতঙ্কিত হওয়ারও কিছু নেই।”
Translation: “Videos of flash processions are spreading on social media, but in reality, nothing like that is happening. There’s no reason to panic.”
Lack of Election Experience Among Police Members
The DMP commissioner pointed out that in the past 17 years, there has not been a truly participatory national election. As a result, around half of the current two lakh police officers joined the force during this period and lack direct experience in election duties.
“গত ১৭ বছরে বড় ধরনের কোনো অংশগ্রহণমূলক নির্বাচন হয়নি। ফলে পুলিশে বর্তমানে কর্মরত দুই লাখ সদস্যের প্রায় অর্ধেকই এই সময়ে নিয়োগপ্রাপ্ত—যাদের অনেকেই কখনো ভোট দেননি বা নির্বাচনের বাস্তব অভিজ্ঞতা নেই।”
Translation: “In the last 17 years, there hasn’t been any large-scale participatory election. Around half of our two lakh officers joined during this period — many of them have never voted or experienced an election before.”
Police Training for Upcoming Election
DMP Commissioner Sajjat Ali said police across the country are receiving training ahead of the national election to ensure they are well-prepared.
“আমাদের অনেক সদস্য জানেনই না, নির্বাচনে দায়িত্ব কীভাবে পালন করতে হয়। তাই আমরা সারাদেশে ট্রেনিং কার্যক্রম চালাচ্ছি—ডিএমপিতেও চলছে। আমি সবসময় আমার অফিসারদের বলছি, নির্বাচনী দায়িত্ব পালনে ১০০ শতাংশ নিরপেক্ষতা বজায় রাখতে হবে।”
Translation: “Many of our members don’t even know how to perform election duties. That’s why training programs are being held nationwide, including in DMP. I always instruct my officers to maintain 100% neutrality while carrying out election duties.”
“আপনার ব্যবসা এখন অনলাইনে— Storola-এর সাথে সহজ ও স্মার্টভাবে!”
Warning About Possible Unrest
The DMP commissioner expressed concerns that a banned political party might attempt to create disturbances since the ruling party (Awami League) is not participating in this election. However, he assured that the police are fully alert to prevent any anti-state activities.
“একটি দল নিষিদ্ধঘোষিত। তারা ককটেল বিস্ফোরণ, নাশকতার চেষ্টা করছে। তবে আমরা সর্বোচ্চ সতর্ক আছি—যেন কোনো রাষ্ট্রবিরোধী কর্মকাণ্ড না ঘটে।”
Translation: “One party has been banned. They are trying to cause explosions and sabotage. But we are on high alert to prevent any anti-state activities.”
Hope for a Peaceful Election Environment
DMP Commissioner Sajjat Ali expressed optimism that by the end of November, the country will witness a calm and positive election environment.
“সাধারণ ডিম বিক্রি করে আমরা কীভাবে ১৫ লক্ষ কাস্টমার এনেছি—এই বইয়ে আছে তার বাস্তব কাহিনি!”
He added that the public is now eager to vote, and even many adults aged between 35 and 40 will be voting for the first time — which he described as unfortunate but encouraging for democracy.
Social Media Activities Mislead the Public
Referring to recent social media activity, the DMP commissioner said many people post short videos online to make it seem like major protests are taking place.
“অনেকে নাইট কোচে এসে অল্প সময়ের জন্য ব্যানার দেখিয়ে ভিডিও করে ফেসবুকে দেয়। এতে মনে হয় বড় মিছিল হলো, কিন্তু বাস্তবে তেমন কিছু না।”
Translation: “Some come by night coach, show a banner briefly, record a video, and post it on Facebook. It looks like a big rally happened — but in reality, it’s not like that.”
He further added,
“সোশ্যাল মিডিয়ার শক্তি আমরা অস্বীকার করতে পারি না, তবে এতে আতঙ্কিত হওয়ারও কিছু নেই।”
Translation: “We cannot deny the power of social media, but there is no reason to be alarmed by it.”
Read More: “My HSC results were among the worst of my academic life”: Shafiqul Alam
Police Prepared to Handle Any Situation
Finally, Commissioner Sajjat Ali thanked the Election Commission and assured that the police are capable of handling any situation that may arise during the election period.
Source: Samakal
