Dhaka, Dec 09 (V7N) – The interim government has urged the public to refrain from illegal and unauthorized gatherings and movements following the announcement of the national election schedule, expected in the coming days. The directive came during a Home Ministry meeting held Tuesday afternoon under the instructions of the Chief Advisor.

The ministry emphasized that the primary goal is to ensure the 13th national elections, scheduled for the first half of February, are free, fair, impartial, and festive. Preparations are underway to maintain a secure electoral environment, with around 900,000 members of the armed forces and other law enforcement agencies deployed—the highest number in the country’s history. Additionally, a record 150,000 police personnel have already received specialized electoral training.

The meeting decided that from the announcement of the schedule until the elections, any unauthorized gatherings causing public inconvenience will be strictly controlled, and participants will face legal action.

Home Affairs Advisor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury acknowledged that many groups have legitimate demands and that over the past 18 months, more than 2,000 movements and protests have been organized. “The government has always responded to legitimate demands and tried to reach solutions through dialogue. However, we are now in an election-focused period,” he said.

He urged citizens to present their demands to the post-election government and expressed hope that no one will disrupt normal life or create tension during this critical time.

END/SMA/AJ