Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Jan 7, 2026 (BSS) - Khulna Returning Officer (RO) and Deputy Commissioner A S M Jamshed Khondokar today urged polling-related government officials to discharge their responsibilities with utmost sincerity, honesty and impartiality to ensure a free, fair and credible election.

He said the Election Commission (EC), administration and law enforcement agencies would extend all-out cooperation during the election, adding that the EC would adopt a zero-tolerance policy against political parties and candidates to ensure strict compliance with the electoral code of conduct.

The RO made the remarks while presiding over a views exchange meeting held on Tuesday afternoon at the auditorium of the Khulna District Shilpakala Academy.

As part of preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum 2026, the meeting was organised with the heads of all polling centres under Khulna-2 and Khulna-3 constituencies.

Jamshed Khondokar said officials involved in election duties must strictly follow election rules and take decisions in consultation with senior EC officials when necessary.

Regional Election Officer (Khulna Region) and Returning Officer of Khulna-3 Faisal Kader, Additional District Magistrate Nurul Haque Mohammad Anas, Deputy Police Commissioner (KMP) Abdullah Al Masum, Additional Superintendent of Police Sheikh Imran, Senior District Election Officer Md Sohel Samad, District Primary Education Officer Sheikh Ohidul Alam, Chief Engineer of Khulna City Corporation Mashiur Rahman Khan, and Sonadanga Thana Election Officer and Assistant Returning Officer of Khulna-2 Harun Or Rashid, among others, were present.

Headmasters and principals of primary, secondary and college-level institutions designated as polling centres also attended the meeting.

The meeting aimed to coordinate with institution heads on polling centre preparedness, including ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply, functional washroom facilities, operational CCTV cameras and other overall arrangements to conduct polling in a free, fair and secure manner.

Addressing the meeting, the district administration urged the institution heads to take all necessary measures to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of voting at their respective polling centres.