Disciplinary Action Warned Against Election Duty Negligence

The government has urged officials, employees, and teachers to carry out their election-related duties in strict compliance with the Election Officers (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, to ensure a free, fair, and impartial 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. It has warned that any reluctance, non-cooperation, negligence, or provision of incorrect information in performing election duties will result in disciplinary action.

Recently, the Cabinet Division issued a directive to all ministries and divisions, instructing them to inform all concerned about the provisions of the Election Officers (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. Following this, the Secondary and Higher Education Division under the Ministry of Education instructed all departments, directorates, and educational institutions under its jurisdiction to strictly adhere to the directive.

Sources said the instructions have been forwarded to all regional, district, and upazila-level education offices, as well as heads of government and non-government educational institutions. All concerned have been asked to perform election duties in accordance with the law.

The circular stated that returning officers and assistant returning officers have already been appointed to conduct the election. In addition, a large number of teachers and officials from various ministries, departments, and public and private institutions will serve as polling officials. All individuals assigned to election-related responsibilities will be considered election officers and will remain directly accountable to the Election Commission.

Under the Election Officers (Special Provisions) Act, any reluctance, non-cooperation, negligence, or submission of false information in the performance of election duties will be treated as misconduct. In such cases, the concerned election officer may face disciplinary proceedings.

Education ministry sources noted that a significant number of teachers and education-related officials serve as presiding and polling officers during elections. Therefore, all relevant education bodies have been instructed to remain vigilant and responsible while performing election duties.

The circular further clarified that even without a formal appointment letter, anyone engaged in election work and responsible for following commission directives or providing information will automatically be considered an election officer. Proven misconduct during duty will lead to legal and disciplinary measures.

The government stated that, at the request of the Election Commission, all officials and employees engaged in the February 12 parliamentary election and referendum must perform their duties with honesty, integrity, and neutrality, and avoid any form of negligence to ensure a credible electoral process.