Time for a decisive role

The unexpected spike in targeted killings and political violence since the announcement of the election schedule—amid a deteriorating law and order situation—must be taken seriously by the Election Commission (EC) and the interim government. As the election process gets underway, the EC must assert effective control over law-enforcing agencies and direct them, along with the interim administration, to strengthen security using all necessary measures. It is regrettable that the ongoing Operation Devil Hunt, i.e., the joint forces operation, the issuance of gun licenses to candidates and the provision of armed guards to leaders of the July uprising and a few others following the fatal attack on Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi, appear to have had little impact on improving overall law and order.

According to data from the Human Rights Support Society, 60 incidents of political violence were recorded in December alone, leaving four people dead and 528 injured. At least 10 attacks on political leaders and activists resulted in 10 deaths, including three members of the Awami League, four from the BNP, and one from Jamaat-e-Islami. Meanwhile, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), citing its own records and media reports, has documented at least eight political killings since the unveiling of the poll schedule on December 11.

The EC and the authorities must review why the measures taken so far have failed to adequately address rising crime and political violence. They should take note of emerging trends highlighted by human rights defender Noor Khan Liton, particularly the targeting of political activists and members of minority communities. Moreover, the misguided reluctance to confront mob culture and the lack of preventive action have allowed lynching to spread, creating a pervasive climate of fear in society. If these trends persist, they will severely undermine voter confidence and discourage turnout at polling stations. The Election Commission must take decisive steps to remove uncertainties surrounding the election and ensure that citizens feel safe to exercise their right to vote without fear.

Greater visibility of law enforcement patrols, intensified intelligence-led operations to prevent crimes, and swift legal action against perpetrators can help restore public confidence in policing. To ensure a participatory election, the government must create a secure and festive polling environment. However, its current approach to guaranteeing a safe political atmosphere appears to be faltering.

Political parties also bear responsibility. They must proactively defuse internal factional conflicts, confront the alarming spread of hate on social media, and educate their members about the dangers of violence while equipping them with basic safety guidance. At the same time, researchers and policymakers should examine the root causes of growing intolerance and the increasing tendency to resort to violence to settle disputes—trends that are fundamentally incompatible with democracy and corrosive to the social fabric.

Finally, the Ministry of Home Affairs' decision to deploy law enforcement agencies nationwide only for seven days around the election is unlikely to be effective if authorities cannot maintain law and order now. An immediate security review and a revised strategy are essential to facilitate a free, fair, impartial, peaceful, and genuinely festive election.