Security concerns rise as Police HQ records 411 violent incidents since election schedule declared

At least 411 election-related violent incidents have been recorded across Bangladesh between the announcement of the 13th national election schedule on 12 December and 7 February, according to Police Headquarters data.

The figures have renewed concerns over voter safety and the possibility of unrest despite extensive security preparations ahead of polling day.

As the country moves towards the election, authorities say nearly 10 lakh law enforcement personnel will be deployed nationwide, supported by drones, body-worn cameras, and CCTV surveillance.

However, recurring clashes between rival political groups during campaigning have raised fears about whether polling day will remain peaceful.

Police data show that the 411 incidents included five deaths, 127 clashes between rival supporters, 43 cases of campaign obstruction, 35 attacks on election offices and institutions, 19 incidents involving blockades or protests, and four cases linked to illegal firearms.

Over the past week, violence has been reported in several districts. On Sunday (8 February), supporters of BNP and Jamaat-backed candidates clashed repeatedly in Bauphal upazila of Patuakhali, leaving around 50 people injured before police brought the situation under control.

A day earlier, at least seven people were injured in Bhola Sadar when supporters of Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Jamaat-e-Islami candidates confronted each other during campaigning.

The interim government has acknowledged five deaths linked to election violence. In a press release issued by the chief adviser's press wing on 2 February, officials confirmed the fatalities.

However, civil society organisations have presented higher figures, highlighting differences in how election violence is documented. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), in a report released on the same day, said 15 political leaders and activists were killed within 36 days of the election schedule announcement. The organisation attributed the deaths to election-related political violence, nearly three times higher than the government's count.

Responding to the disparity, the government said the difference arises from methodology. While TIB includes any killing involving politically affiliated individuals during the election period, the government counts only deaths with direct and verified links to election activities. Officials warned that mixing the two approaches could create unnecessary panic among voters.

Other rights groups have also reported higher casualty numbers. Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) documented 162 incidents between the election schedule announcement and 31 January, resulting in five deaths and 970 injuries. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) reported at least 51 clashes between 1 and 8 February, leaving one person dead and around 450 injured.

Past elections show a recurring pattern of violence. According to data cited by the chief adviser's press wing, the 2024 parliamentary election saw 534 violent incidents over 21 days, resulting in six deaths. The 2018 election recorded 414 incidents and 22 fatalities, while the 2014 polls witnessed 530 incidents and 115 deaths.

Police records cite two deaths in the 2024 election, while TIB recorded seven. Additionally, police data note 16 deaths and 670 injuries in the 2018 polls, whereas TIB reported 20 deaths and 1,360 injuries.

On the streets of Dhaka, voters expressed cautious optimism. Several residents told The Business Standard they are willing to vote this time due to changes in the political environment but remain concerned about safety at polling centres. Some said they would refrain from voting if they faced interference or clashes similar to those seen in previous polls.

Security analyst Touhidul Haque, associate professor at Dhaka University's Institute of Social Welfare and Research, said election-time violence reflects deeper political culture. "Although election candidates, activists, supporters, and voters speak of democracy, its reflection is not seen in their actions," he said, noting attempts to dominate polling centres and the growing use of digital tools, including AI-generated content, to provoke unrest.

Law enforcement agencies say they are prepared to manage the situation. Police stated that around 943,050 personnel will be deployed on election day, supported by 25,500 body-worn cameras, 500 drones, dog squads, and special monitoring units focusing on high-risk centres.

Speaking at the DMP Media Centre yesterday (9 February), Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali said police aim to ensure a neutral and credible election. "We want this election to set a benchmark for the future," he said, pledging professionalism and impartial enforcement