Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah has said there is no opportunity for manipulation in the voting process for expatriate Bangladeshis, as multiple layers of security and verification have been ensured.

He said live verification has been made mandatory for expatriate voting, while members of intelligence agencies will remain deployed to ensure the security of ballots.

The Election Commissioner made the remarks on Sunday morning while speaking at a views-exchange meeting with members of the law enforcement cell and the digital and observation teams at the Barishal Circuit House, organised in connection with the 13th parliamentary election.

Sanaullah said ballots designated for expatriate voters would contain 119 symbols, which would require comparatively more time to open envelopes and count votes accurately.

He added that only presiding officers would be allowed to carry pens inside polling centres, while all other officials and concerned personnel would use pencils.

During the voting period, 10 executive magistrates will be deployed in each constituency, he said, adding that the Commission remains particularly vigilant to prevent irregularities through mobile financial services.

To curb vote-buying, several meetings have already been held, and a specific limit on financial transactions will be determined, he noted.

The Election Commissioner also instructed officials involved in the election process to refrain from accepting any form of hospitality or entertainment. He urged prompt dissemination of accurate and verified information to the public to counter misinformation and rumours.

Sanaullah further said necessary measures would be taken to ensure voting rights for elderly, disabled and injured voters, while CCTV cameras would be installed in all districts and at every polling centre to ensure transparency.

On election neutrality, he said the Election Commission would maintain a firm stance on integrity and impartiality.

“There is no discrimination between big or small parties — everyone is equal. If any official shows bias despite clear instructions, the consequences will be severe,” he warned.

He also stressed that all individuals involved in the election must carry out their duties with firmness, adding that no leniency would be shown where irregularities are detected.

The meeting was chaired by Barishal District Returning Officer Khairul Alam Suman. Among others, Superintendent of Police Farzana Islam and relevant officials were present.