Body cam plan for polls scaled back, limited to sensitive areas: Finance adviser
Ministry of Home Affairs to purchase the cameras for sensitive areas in consultation with the Election Commission, he says
Highlights
- Finance, home ministries want cameras in sensitive areas only
- Cameras will be purchased by home ministry
- Procurement very soon
The government will reduce the planned number of body-worn cameras for the upcoming 13th National Parliament election, with the devices to be used only in sensitive areas, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said today (18 November).
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Speaking to journalists following meetings of the advisory council committees on government procurement and economic affairs at the Secretariat, he said the earlier plan to deploy 40,000 body cameras was now under review.
"Body cameras have been reviewed extensively. We have asked for further review on this matter," he told reporters when asked whether the meetings had discussed procurement of the cameras.
He added that directives have been issued regarding expected costs, procurement process, and ensuring transparency.
Salehuddin said, "Body cams will come, but perhaps now in a more rationalised manner. We have suggested body cameras only for sensitive areas. In fact, the home ministry is also suggesting this."
"We cannot work with body cams everywhere. There are matters of monitoring them as well. Images will come; action will have to be taken," he added.
He further said the cameras for sensitive areas will be purchased by the home ministry in consultation with the Election Commission.
In response to a question, the finance adviser said, "The number [of body cams] will decrease. But I will not say how much right now."
Asked when the procurement would take place, he replied "very soon".
