3-tier security system in place, 8,770 polling centres identified as risky: IGP

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has said that 8,770 polling centres have been identified as risky ahead of the upcoming election, adding that a three-tier security system will be in place at every centre.

He made the remarks today (10 February) while briefing journalists at the Police Headquarters Media Centre on the overall law and order situation surrounding the national parliamentary election.

According to the IGP, there are a total of 42,779 polling centres across the country. Of these, 8,770 have been classified as risky, 16,000 as moderately risky, and the remaining centres as general.

The IGP further said to maintain law and order during the election, around 187,603 police personnel, nearly 6 lakh members of the Ansar, along with personnel from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and about 1 lakh members of the armed forces will be deployed across the country, he said.

Explaining the arrangements, he added a three-tier security system will be in place, with static forces at polling centres, mobile teams in surrounding areas, and striking forces on standby for emergencies.

According to IGP, since 11 December, a total of 317 election-related violent incidents have been reported across the country, leaving 613 people injured and five killed.

"Even a single death is unfortunate for us. We made every effort so that no death would take place. However, some incidents did occur in reality, and those are now under investigation," he added.

He mentioned that among the five election-related deaths were Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha, and Rezaul Karim, a Jamaat leader from Sherpur, three others were killed in Narayanganj, Gazipur and Haluaghat, Mymensingh.

The IGP said that extensive use of technology is being made to ensure election security this time. CCTV cameras have been installed at around 80% to 90% of polling centres, while the police will use body-worn cameras at risky centres.

Responding to the reports, the IGP said he was unsure about a list of 3,000 criminals and 352 shooters but stressed that such a group could not disrupt the election in a country of 18 crore people.

Asked whether escaped prisoners and militants following the 5 August jail break posed any threat to the election, "At present, there is no strong militant threat capable of disrupting the election," he said.

Additional IGPs, including AKM Awlad Hossain, Md Akram Hossain, Mosleh Uddin Ahmed and Sardar Nurul Amin, were also present at the briefing.