No threat to polls, says RAB Director General

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman on Wednesday said law enforcement agencies see no security risk to the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum, scheduled to be held on Thursday.

Briefing journalists on special security arrangements at the Rajdhani High School polling centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Shahidur Rahman warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to create chaos or unlawfully reject the election results.

Responding to questions about potential threats, he said risks existed only for those who intended to disrupt the voting process.

“Those who try to disrupt the election, cast fake votes, snatch ballot boxes or attack polling centres will face serious consequences this time,” he said.

He also cautioned that any attempt to incite unrest by refusing to accept the election outcome would be dealt with firmly.

“If anyone tries to create chaos or deny the election results, action will be taken without hesitation,” he added.

On the issue of possible militant threats, Shahidur Rahman said authorities did not currently see any specific danger but remained on high alert.

Asked about reports of political party workers gathering in various residential messes in the capital, he said the situation was being closely monitored.

“Voters or outsiders are not allowed to stay in specific areas without valid reasons for a certain period,” he said, adding that action would be taken if suspicious gatherings came under surveillance.

He said the maximum number of law enforcement personnel had been deployed, alongside enhanced logistical support compared with previous elections.

CCTV cameras have been installed at almost every polling centre, while police will use around 25,700 body-worn cameras, supported by drones, dog squads, bomb disposal units and helicopters kept on standby.

“We believe the election will be better than expected,” he said.

Shahidur Rahman also noted that if disorder breaks out at any polling station and a suitable voting environment cannot be ensured, voting may be suspended at that centre.