DMP vows tight security to ensure peaceful election

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali on Monday said comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the 13^th national parliament election and referendum are conducted in a free, fair, and festive atmosphere, with no risk to public safety.

“Strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt law and order,” he emphasised at a press conference held at the DMP Media Centre on Minto Road.

The commissioner outlined the deployment plan for the city’s 2,131 polling stations. Based on location, voter numbers, and security considerations, polling centres have been divided into two categories:

At least four police officers will be assigned to 1,614 key polling stations.

Three officers will be deployed to 517 general polling stations.

“To enable real-time monitoring, body-worn cameras will be used at polling stations, with live supervision from control rooms,” he added.

A total of 180 static teams and 510 mobile units will be stationed outside polling stations, supported by eight general control rooms and four special control rooms operating across DMP’s eight divisions.

Special Reserve Forces will be positioned at strategic locations and can be swiftly deployed under senior officers’ direct supervision. SWAT teams, bomb disposal units, dog squads, crime scene vans, and mounted police will also be on standby to respond to emergencies.

“The upcoming election is very important for our country,” the commissioner said, adding, “We are committed to delivering a meaningful and universally acceptable election, free from the controversies surrounding police involvement in past polls.”

He urged citizens to exercise their civil rights in an orderly manner, saying, “I request city residents to go to the polling stations without fear or obstruction and participate fully in the democratic process.”

Police preparations began well before the election schedule was announced, with around 25,000 DMP personnel receiving specialised training for election duties. Officers have been instructed to carry out their responsibilities impartially to ensure a credible and transparent vote.

Responding to questions, Commissioner Sazzat Ali said there is no security threat surrounding this year’s election and that the overall law and order situation in Dhaka is better than ever.

Also present at the press briefing were DMP Additional Police Commissioner (Admin) Md Sarwar (Services); Additional IG; Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S N Md Nazrul Islam (Services); Deputy Police Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) Muhammad Talebur Rahman; and Assistant Police Commissioner Arifa Akhtar Priti.