CA Yunus asks chiefs of three services to ensure tight security for peaceful Feb polls
To maintain law and order during the election, 90,000 army personnel, more than 2,500 naval personnel, and 1,500 air force personnel will be deployed
Highlights
- 90,000 army, 2,500 navy, and 1,500 air force personnel will be deployed nationwide
- One service company to be stationed in each upazila
- Three chiefs met CA Yunus at Jamuna to brief on election preparations
- They invited him to attend Armed Forces Day on 21 November
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has directed the chiefs of three services to take all necessary measures to ensure foolproof security and a peaceful atmosphere during the national election in February.
The three chiefs -- Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan -- held a meeting with the chief adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna at 7:00pm today (1 November). National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman was also present.
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At around 8:19pm, a source from a law enforcement agency confirmed to The Business Standard that the meeting has concluded and the three chiefs have already left Jamuna.
During the meeting, the chief adviser expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the service personnel in maintaining national security and law and order in the country.
He said, "Over the past 15 months, members of the armed forces have worked with great dedication to uphold law and order. The upcoming election must be held under a blanket of flawless security," he said, giving necessary directives to the three forces.
The chief adviser further stated, "The interim government is committed to ensuring that the election in the first half of February is free, fair, impartial, peaceful, and festive."
At the meeting, the chiefs of the three forces briefed the chief adviser on the comprehensive preparations being made by the forces for the election.
To maintain law and order during the election, 90,000 army personnel, more than 2,500 naval personnel, and 1,500 air force personnel will be deployed.
Besides, one service company will be stationed in each upazila, across the country.
The chiefs invited the chief adviser to attend the Armed Forces Day celebration on 21 November.
Earlier, an official at the CA's Office, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the meeting was not convened by the chief adviser.
The chiefs of three services had gone on their own initiative for talks with CA Yunus, the official said.
"A meeting between the chief adviser and the chiefs of three services was scheduled well in advance. The agenda was expected to cover the deployment of military personnel in the upcoming election."
But, he said, he had no information regarding the agenda of this evening's meeting or what was likely to be discussed.
The meeting comes as the Election Commission is preparing for conducting the 13th national election in the first half of February next year. Members of armed forces will be deployed alongside police and Ansar members during the polls.
On 20 October, the commission had said around 90,000 to 100,000 members of the Bangladesh Army would be deployed for election duties.
Earlier on 1 September, Chief of Army Staff General Waker called on the chief adviser at Jamuna.
During that meeting, Yunus had asked General Waker to ensure a clearly defined command structure and close coordination among all forces in the coming months leading up to the national election.
