Dhaka: Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Thursday assured that there would be no possibility of ballot snatching at polling centres in the upcoming national election. ‘The upcoming national election will be free, fair, impartial, peaceful, and festive in Bangladesh’s history, serving as a role model,’ he stated during a views-exchange meeting at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in the Malibagh area of the capital.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the adviser highlighted significant changes in the security arrangements for the upcoming national election. In contrast to previous elections where only one armed police member was stationed at each polling centre, this time at least five armed members of law-enforcement agencies will be deployed at every polling centre. This includes two armed police members and three armed Ansar members. Additionally, six armed law-enforcement personnel, including three armed police members, will be stationed at crucial polling centres. Furthermore, 10 unarmed Ansar members-comprising six males and four females equipped with batons-will be present at each polling centre.
He emphasized that election officials and law-enforcement personnel must execute their responsibilities with utmost honesty, neutrality, and professionalism. Key measures such as training of law-enforcement personnel, utilization of body-worn cameras, installation of CCTV cameras, and deployment of drones and dog squads are among the noteworthy initiatives mentioned by the adviser to ensure a smooth electoral process.
The adviser also introduced the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app, enabling expatriate voters, government officials and employees, election-duty officials, and law-enforcement agency members to exercise their voting rights. A record number of around 9 lakh law-enforcement personnel will be engaged in election duties, with additional support from BNCC, Girls Guide, and Scout members to maintain order.
He outlined a two-phase deployment strategy to uphold law and order during the election. The first phase involves currently deployed personnel, while the second phase, scheduled from February 8-14, will focus on polling-centre-based deployment with officers on duty for seven days.
In conclusion, the adviser awarded CID officers for their outstanding performance, recognizing their commitment and excellence.