Law enforcement agencies across Bangladesh have stepped up security measures ahead of tomorrow’s 13th national parliamentary election and referendum, with the interim government implementing a comprehensive, multi-agency plan to ensure a peaceful, credible and disruption-free voting process.
Around one million personnel from various forces have been deployed nationwide from 8 to 14 February, covering pre-poll, polling day and post-poll periods. The deployment aims to secure nearly 43,000 polling stations and approximately 260,000 polling booths across 300 constituencies, involving around 127.5 million registered voters.
Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury emphasised the government’s zero-tolerance policy against violence and sabotage, noting that all law enforcement agencies are on high alert. “We are firmly committed to maintaining law and order throughout the election period,” he said, warning that strict action would be taken against any attempt to disrupt the electoral environment.
Chowdhury added that security forces have been authorised to enter any location, including polling centres, if necessary, to prevent violence. Border vigilance, intelligence operations, and monitoring of provocative social media content have also been intensified.
During a visit to the Central Control Room at Police Headquarters, he reviewed real-time monitoring systems, communication networks and emergency response arrangements. The adviser also visited New Market and Mohammadpur police stations in Dhaka to assess field-level preparedness, directing officers to remain vigilant, impartial, and professional.
According to the Home Ministry, the deployment includes 100,000 Army personnel, 5,000 Navy members, 3,730 Air Force members, 37,453 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members, 3,500 Coast Guard personnel, 187,603 police members, 9,349 Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel, 560,000 Ansar and VDP members and 45,820 chowkidar and dafadar.
Security arrangements have been categorised according to risk, with heightened protection at important and sensitive polling centres, including metropolitan areas, the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and remote regions.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bahrul Alam highlighted the importance of professionalism and neutrality, particularly in cyber intelligence and social media monitoring. “Police must demonstrate impartiality and responsibility to maintain public trust,” he said.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali underscored the need to prioritise a flawless, impartial election over political affiliations, while BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui confirmed the force’s deployment across 489 upazilas, with 61 border upazilas under exclusive responsibility. Helicopters, drones, K-9 units, and rapid response teams remain on standby.
The Bangladesh Coast Guard has been deployed in coastal and riverine areas, with around 3,500 personnel stationed at 332 polling centres in remote unions. Meanwhile, more than 560,000 Ansar and VDP members are stationed at 42,766 polling stations nationwide.
A central Law and Order Coordination Cell has been established with representatives from all major agencies, and a special team under emergency service 999 will provide round-the-clock election support. Joint forces will conduct area-based operations, checkpoints, and mobile patrols under the supervision of returning officers.
Authorities expressed confidence that the extensive security measures will allow voters to exercise their franchise freely, safely, and without disruption.
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