Feb polls: Bangladesh Army to deploy 1 lakh troops nationwide
According to officials, the larger deployment this year, compared to the 40,000-42,000 troops used in 2024 elections, reflects security concerns and the need to boost voter confidence
The Bangladesh Army will deploy 1,00,000 troops nationwide to support civil authorities in ensuring a peaceful, neutral and secure environment for the upcoming national polls and referendum slated for 12 February.
"The deployment will be carefully distributed to meet wide operational responsibilities," Brig Gen Dewan Mohammad Monzur Hossain said at a briefing in the capital's Gulistan today (5 February).
Preparations began on 20 January.
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According to officials, the larger deployment this year, compared to the 40,000-42,000 troops used in 2024 elections, reflects security concerns and the need to boost voter confidence.
A total of 544 camps have been set up and about 5,000 patrols will operate up to polling station peripheries.
Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman inspected the coordination camp and instructed personnel to maintain professionalism, neutrality and citizen-friendly conduct under the mandate of "In Aid to Civil Power."
Sensitive areas, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Rohingya camps, are under close watch, with troops following defined Rules of Engagement and using mainly non-lethal weapons, applying force only when necessary.
Officials said 1,331 looted weapons from the August 2024 unrest remain unrecovered, though drives are ongoing.
Coordination cells at district and upazila levels have been set up to provide verified updates and counter misinformation, while post-election deployment will depend on decisions of the elected government and relevant authorities.
