37 polling centres in Dhaka marked as risky ahead of polls: DMP commissioner

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali has said that 37 polling centres in the capital have been identified as risky ahead of the upcoming national election.

He disclosed the information today (9 February) at a press conference on the security arrangements taken by the DMP for the 13th national election and the 2026 referendum.

The DMP commissioner said the election is extremely important for various reasons and that the police are committed to delivering a meaningful, credible, and widely acceptable election, free from the controversies surrounding the use of police forces in past polls.

"We are fully prepared with iron determination to move the country forward toward a peaceful election, achieved through sacrifice and blood," he said, adding that the police will perform their duties with the highest level of professionalism and neutrality.

Addressing citizens, he said the DMP aims to set a benchmark that will serve as a unique example for future elections.

Security arrangements in Dhaka

The DMP commissioner said there are 2,131 polling centres in the Dhaka metropolitan area this year. Based on location, voter turnout, and security considerations, the centres have been divided into two categories: important and general.

Of these, 1,614 important polling centres will each have four police members deployed, while 517 general centres will have three police members each. In addition, 37 polling centres have been identified as risky, where seven police members will be deployed at each centre.

He said body cameras will be used to monitor polling centre situations. To oversee multiple centres, 180 striking teams and 510 mobile teams will be deployed. There will also be eight control rooms across the city's eight divisions, along with four special control rooms.

Special Reserve Forces will be stationed at strategic locations under the direct supervision of senior police officials. Bangladesh Police SWAT teams, bomb disposal units, crime scene vans, and mounted police will also be deployed.

No major security threats

Responding to a question about potential security threats, the DMP commissioner said there are no threats at present.

"Look at the environment—it's better than normal times. There's no crime, no law-and-order issues, no road blockades. In a city of 30 million people with unemployment and various challenges, the law-and-order situation is excellent," he said.

Asked whether the election could be questioned, he said there is no reason for concern, noting that allegations of irregularities are often made by losing parties, which he described as part of the country's political culture.

Journalists' safety and police neutrality

Regarding journalists' safety, Sheikh Sajjat Ali said the overall security plan covers everyone, including journalists, doctors, engineers, police personnel, and all Dhaka residents.

"There is no reason to panic. I am 100% confident that no one's security will be compromised," he said.

Addressing questions about political misuse of the police, he said that during his 15 months as DMP commissioner, there has been no instance of the police acting in favour of any political party.

"If you haven't seen us working for any party, that itself proves we are neutral," he added.

Clarification on viral video and protests

Responding to questions about attacks on journalists and a viral video showing him holding a baton, the commissioner said he had rushed to the scene without preparation after learning that protesters were trying to enter the Jamuna area.

"I was at home on a holiday, getting a haircut, when I heard protesters were entering Jamuna. I went immediately and found the situation extremely serious. Just days before an election, if protesters try to approach the head of government's residence, does the DMP commissioner have the option to sit idle?" he said.

He also referred to late-night attacks at the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, saying traffic congestion prevented police officers from reaching the scene on time, after which blame was placed on the police.