Army's eight-day election security plan: 1 lakh troops, area-wise commandos on standby
The document stated that the plan is based on the possibility of incidents such as occupying polling centres, ballot snatching, and attacks on voters, polling officials, or homes
Bangladesh Army has proposed to deploy nearly one lakh personnel across the country for eight days surrounding the upcoming national election, with measures including drone surveillance, temporary camps, and judicial authority if required.
The proposal was detailed in the meeting minutes of a law and order preparation discussion held on 20 October, which the Election Commission circulated to relevant ministries and agencies yesterday (9 November).
The discussions also included preparing helipads for transporting election materials and officials, using drones for surveillance, keeping Army Aviation on standby, and deploying commandos where necessary.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
According to the minutes, the Army is currently deployed in 62 districts under "Aid to Civil Power" to address the risk of election-related violence.
For the national polls, the force has proposed deployment for a total of eight days — three days before election day, on election day itself, and four days afterwards.
During this period, an estimated 90,000 to 100,000 personnel would be in the field.
The document stated that the plan is based on the possibility of incidents such as occupying polling centres, ballot snatching, and attacks on voters, polling officials, or homes.
Preparations include establishing temporary camps across the country, monitoring major roads and highways, and providing special security in areas identified as high-risk, including areas with minority communities.
The plan also mentions measures to ensure the safety of foreign journalists and election observers.
The meeting further noted that the government has already granted magistracy power to the Army.
If judicial authority is provided when needed, the Army could assume a more active role in maintaining order during the polls.
Entry of Army personnel into polling centres may also be permitted if required for security.
In addition, the Army proposed continuing special operations to recover illegal arms and detain identified offenders in the lead-up to the election.
The minutes stated that the Bangladesh Army would carry out its election duties with "the highest level of professionalism."
The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and attended by the election commissioners, the EC secretary, the home secretary, and representatives of security forces and government departments.
