National election: Army, law enforcement agencies, magistrates to be deployed from tomorrow

Members of the armed forces, along with other law enforcement agencies, will be deployed across the country from tomorrow (8 February) to ensure that the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum are held in a free, fair, neutral and peaceful manner.

At the same time, 1,051 executive magistrates will also be deployed. Both the security forces and magistrates will remain on duty until 14 February.

According to the Election Commission (EC), executive magistrates will operate mobile courts in their assigned areas from 8 to 14 February.

In addition to monitoring compliance with the election code of conduct, they will be responsible for maintaining overall law and order in their respective constituencies, preventing crimes, conducting mobile court operations and providing guidance to striking forces, particularly teams from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard and the armed forces.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said the army had already been deployed and would be further reinforced from tomorrow.

"Formally, they will remain deployed for seven days before and after the election. We have held meetings with the law enforcement agencies, and all of them have said that the situation on the ground is completely stable and conducive to holding the election," he said.

Earlier, a circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that police, BGB, Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP), and the coast guard will be deployed to maintain peace and order and ensure a fair, peaceful and neutral election.

Members of the armed forces will also be deployed under the "in aid to civil power" provision to assist the local civil administration.

According to EC, around 970,000 members of various forces will be engaged in election duties this time.