The government has taken a firm stance to ensure that the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the accompanying referendum, scheduled for February 12, are conducted in a free, fair, and neutral manner.

Officials have warned that any reluctance, non-cooperation, or negligence in performing election duties will result in disciplinary action under the "Election Officers (Special Provisions) Act, 1991."

The Cabinet Division recently issued a circular to the secretaries of all ministries outlining these directives.

Following this, the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education has ordered all its departments, offices, and educational institutions to strictly adhere to the guidelines.

Strict Legal Framework
The circular, signed by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid, notes that 69 Returning Officers and 499 Assistant Returning Officers have already been appointed.

Additionally, a vast number of teachers and employees from government, semi-government, and autonomous organizations will serve as polling officials.

Key legal points mentioned in the circular:

• Immediate Jurisdiction: Upon receiving an appointment letter or being engaged in election work, an individual is legally considered an "Election Officer" and is directly accountable to the Election Commission.
• Misconduct Defined: Any reluctance, negligence, lack of cooperation, or provision of false information will be officially classified as "misconduct."
• Penalties: Under Sections 4 and 5 of the 1991 Act, the government is empowered to take formal disciplinary action against any official or employee found guilty of such offenses.

Educational Institutions on High Alert
Since teachers constitute a significant portion of Presiding and Polling Officers, the Ministry of Education is taking proactive steps.

Md. Khalid Hossain, Assistant Director (Administration-1) of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), confirmed that the directives have been dispatched to all regional, district, and upazila education offices, as well as heads of educational institutions.

Major educational bodies, including the University Grants Commission (UGC), NAEM, BANBEIS, NTRCA, and NCTB, have been instructed to remain vigilant.

Ensuring an Unquestionable Election
The Cabinet Division emphasized that the Election Commission intends to make the February 12 polls and referendum "beyond reproach."

All personnel assigned to election duties have been specifically requested to serve with honesty, dedication, and the highest level of neutrality.

The circular concludes with a stern warning that any failure to perform this national duty will not be tolerated.