Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has deployed more than 37,000 personnel across the country as part of heightened security arrangements ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the upcoming referendum, officials have said.
The deployment is aimed at ensuring a peaceful, free and fair voting environment, with BGB members assigned to both urban and rural areas nationwide. The force is currently operating in 489 of the country’s 495 upazilas and is working independently in 61 border upazilas.
BGB Dhaka Sector Commander Colonel SM Abul Ehsan disclosed the information during a media briefing on Saturday morning at the Mirpur National Swimming Complex, following inspections of several temporary election base camps in the capital.
He said BGB personnel would be performing both mobile and static duties across all 300 parliamentary constituencies to maintain law and order throughout the election period. Each upazila is expected to have between two and four platoons on duty.
Colonel Ehsan added that Bangladesh’s entire 4,427-kilometre border would remain under strict surveillance to prevent any cross-border disruptions during the polls.
In the Dhaka Sector alone, 134 platoons have been deployed across 42 temporary base camps, covering 51 constituencies in nine districts and four city corporations. The operations are being conducted by Dhaka Battalion (5 and 26 BGB), Narayanganj Battalion (62 BGB) and Gazipur Battalion (63 BGB).
To respond swiftly to any emergency situation, BGB’s Rapid Action Team, Quick Response Force and Helicopter Unit will remain on standby throughout the election period. A specialised K-9 Dog Squad Unit will also be deployed to conduct search operations and enhance overall security.
BGB officials said personnel have undergone specialised election-related training to ensure professionalism, impartiality and adherence to legal procedures. Modern equipment, including body-worn cameras, night-vision devices, metal detectors, armoured personnel carriers and advanced communication systems, will be used to strengthen transparency and operational effectiveness.
A special monitoring cell has been established at battalion and sector headquarters to oversee the security situation round the clock. On polling day, BGB members will conduct patrols, establish checkpoints at key locations and carry out vehicle and individual searches to prevent any form of sabotage or unrest.
Reaffirming its stance on political neutrality, BGB said it would strictly follow directives issued by the government and the Election Commission, emphasising its role in maintaining a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
Officials expressed confidence that the combined efforts of the Election Commission, law enforcement agencies, the government and the public would ensure that the upcoming parliamentary election is held in a peaceful and orderly manner.
