Barishal finalises preparations for 7.4m voters across 21 constituencies

Barishal division has completed extensive preparations for the 13th national election, with authorities tightening security and accelerating logistics across its river-bound terrain as more than 7.4 million voters prepare to cast their ballots.

According to the Barishal Regional Election Office, across six districts and 42 upazilas, voting will take place in 21 constituencies at 2,838 polling centres.

The electorate totals 7,423,522 voters, including 3,774,148 men and 3,649,317 women. Of the centres, 845 have been classified as risky and 622 as highly risky, prompting layered security and reinforced deployments aimed at preventing fraud, violence, or disruption.

The Election Commission has already begun dispatching election equipment, including to remote char and coastal areas where access remains difficult. 13 upazilas have been marked as isolated, with special arrangements put in place to ensure both transportation and security coverage.

Law enforcement has divided the division into red, yellow, and green zones to strengthen monitoring and speed up response.

Barishal Range Deputy Inspector General Monjur Morshed Alam said helicopters will serve hard-to-reach areas, while the Navy and Coast Guard will patrol disconnected coastal regions. Joint forces comprising the army, police, RAB, and other agencies will remain deployed. "We are working in coordination to ensure a smooth and secure vote," he said.

Regional Election Officer Faridul Islam said authorities aim to deliver a neutral and orderly election focused on safeguarding voting rights. Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman added that all stakeholders have been instructed to maintain strict impartiality so voters can cast their ballots in a safe environment.

With heightened security, challenging terrain, and thousands of centres under watch, the division heads into election day under a tense calm, bracing for a poll officials insist must proceed without incident.