Army reaffirms preparedness for national polls, referendum
A total of 544 temporary camps have been set up in 411 upazilas across 62 districts and metropolitan areas, with forces carrying out regular patrols, joint drives and surveillance.
The Bangladesh Army today (5 February) reaffirmed its "full preparedness" to help conduct next week's national elections and referendum in a fair, free and peaceful manner.
At a media briefing at the Roller Skating Complex near the National Football Stadium in Gulistan, Military Operations Director Brig Gen Dewan Mohammad Monzur Hossain said troops are already conducting extensive field-level activities as part of all-out preparations.
He said troop deployment was increased from 35,000 to 50,000 on 10 January and later to 100,000 from 20 January to maintain law and order ahead of the polls. Around 5,000 navy and 3,730 air force personnel have also been deployed alongside BGB, police, RAB and Ansar members. In previous elections, army deployment reached up to 42,000.
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A total of 544 temporary camps have been set up in 411 upazilas across 62 districts and metropolitan areas, with forces carrying out regular patrols, joint drives and surveillance. Since 20 January, about 150 illegal arms, including foreign pistols, along with ammunition and explosives have been seized. So far, 10,152 arms and 291,000 rounds of ammunition have been recovered, and 22,282 suspects arrested and handed over to police.
As directed by the Election Commission, the home ministry issued a circular outlining the roles of the armed forces. Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman earlier stressed professionalism, impartiality and a citizen-friendly approach while reviewing deployments.
Helicopters and water vessels will remain on standby to transport personnel and materials to remote or high-risk areas. The military will also use drones and other technology to respond swiftly to any untoward situation.
Monzur Hossain urged the media to help prevent misinformation, warning that attempts may be made to spread panic or discredit the electoral process. He added that special threat assessments have been conducted in sensitive areas, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Rohingya camps, with deployments adjusted accordingly.
