Home adviser reaffirms zero-tolerance policy, law enforcers on high alert ahead of polls
Around 10 lakh personnel from various forces have been deployed nationwide from 8 to 14 February, covering the pre-poll, polling day and post-poll periods. The deployment is aimed at securing nearly 43,000 polling stations and approximately 2,60,000 polling booths across 299 constituencies, involving about 12 crore 75 lakh voters.
Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has reaffirmed the government's zero-tolerance policy against violence and sabotage, announcing that all law enforcement agencies have been placed on high alert ahead of tomorrow's (12 February) 13th national parliamentary election and referendum.
"We are firmly committed to keeping the law and order stable and undisturbed throughout the election period," he said, warning that strict action would be taken against any attempt to disrupt the electoral environment.
Law enforcement agencies have intensified security vigilance and patrols across the country as part of a comprehensive, multi-agency security plan rolled out by the interim government to ensure a peaceful and credible polling environment.
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Around 10 lakh personnel from various forces have been deployed nationwide from 8 to 14 February, covering the pre-poll, polling day and post-poll periods. The deployment is aimed at securing nearly 43,000 polling stations and approximately 2,60,000 polling booths across 299 constituencies, involving about 12 crore 75 lakh voters.
According to the Home Ministry, the deployment includes members of the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with 37,453 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel, 3,500 Coast Guard members, 1,87,603 police personnel, 9,349 Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) members, over 5,60,000 Ansar and Village Defence Force (VDP) members and thousands of chowkidar and dafadar.
The Home Adviser said security forces have been empowered to enter any location, including polling centres, if necessary to prevent violence. Border vigilance, intelligence surveillance and monitoring of provocative social media content have also been strengthened.
"There is no inherent security risk for the public. Every citizen will be protected," Chowdhury said, expressing optimism that the election would be held in a peaceful, festive and credible manner.
During a visit to the Central Control Room at Police Headquarters (PHQ), the adviser reviewed real-time monitoring systems, communication mechanisms and emergency response measures in place across the country.
He also inspected preparedness at New Market and Mohammadpur police stations in the capital, directing officers to remain vigilant, impartial and professional in carrying out their duties.
