The upcoming election is not just a vote ~it will determine the outline of the future Bangladesh.

Chittagong Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah said that government employees are not slaves of any person. They are sworn to fulfill their duties towards the state.

He said these things while addressing a day-long training program and an exchange of views with polling officers at the Banshkhali Upazila Complex Auditorium on Friday (February 6) on the occasion of the 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum-2026.

Addressing the presiding officers, the Deputy Commissioner said, “The February 12 election is about building the foundation of a Bangladesh where we, you and our children will be safe. This election is a historic step on the path to a new Bangladesh.”

He said, “Different political parties have participated in this election. Some will win, some will lose. But we—government employees—want to make the whole of Bangladesh, every person in the country, win.”

DC Zahidul Islam warned everyone involved in the election, “We have to protect the trust of the people and the trust of the interim government. There is no room for any negligence here. Cheating the people or failing to fulfill the duties of the state ~~ this betrayal will not be accepted in any way.”

Reminding that this election is being held on the sacrifice of the martyrs, he said, “This new Bangladesh is in exchange for the blood of the child who emptied the mother’s chest. In this reality, no concession will be made if there is even the slightest negligence in fulfilling the duties.”

Highlighting the importance of impartiality, the Deputy Commissioner said, “We want an election that will be festive and meet international standards. The biggest test to achieve this goal is impartiality.”

Regarding the past image of government employees, he said, “We have a lot of ink on us~~that ink needs to be washed off now.

We have to prove that government employees not only take salaries from the state treasury, but also work for the state.”

He asked the officials present, “Do we have that courage? Do we have the backbone? Do we have a conscience?” At this time, everyone present in the meeting responded in unison, “Yes.”

Then DC Zahidul Islam said, “Yes—we have not sold our conscience. We are not slaves of any person. We want to fulfill our responsibilities to the state. Today, that opportunity has come before you—we must seize this opportunity.”

Acknowledging the country’s limitations, he said, “There may be limitations, but today is not the time to see them. Today is the only task—to fulfill the expectations of the country, to fulfill the expectations of the people, and to protect the image of the country.”

Stating that there is no place for personal relationships or emotions in performing electoral duties, he said, “We have to show love for the state, for our responsibilities, and for future generations—not for any individual.”

Warning against biased behavior, the District Administrator said, “Just as I am being monitored, everyone is under monitoring. So be careful.”

Highlighting the security arrangements, he said that the massive deployment of police, army and BGB has already been completed and the forces are ready to reach the spot within five minutes.

“This deployment is aimed at providing an internationally acceptable election,”
he said.

DC Zahidul Islam said, “On the 12th, we will prove that government employees know how to give to the state. This time we will set an example in the election.”
Chittagong Superintendent of Police Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan, two Bangladesh Army officers Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Moazzem Hossain Sarkar and Lieutenant Colonel Andalib Kabir, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Sakhawat Jamil Saikat, Ansar and VDP Director Mohammad Mostaq Ahmed and Senior District Election Officer Mohammad Bashir Ahmed were present as special guests in the meeting.

Banshkhali UNO Mohammad Jamshedul Alam presided over the meeting.