Pre-election clashes raise voter security concerns across Bangladesh

As Bangladesh heads toward the 13th national election, an unprecedented security deployment is underway across the country. Yet, despite assurances from law enforcement agencies, a resurgence of campaign-time violence has left voters anxious about whether polling day will pass peacefully.

Authorities say nearly one million law enforcement personnel will be deployed nationwide, supported by drones, body-worn cameras, and CCTV surveillance. Still, recent clashes between rival political groups have revived memories of past elections marred by bloodshed, raising doubts about voter safety and turnout.

Over the past week, violence has flared in several districts. On Sunday (8 February), supporters of BNP and Jamaat-backed candidates clashed repeatedly in Bauphal upazila of Patuakhali, injuring around 50 people 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.

According to Police Headquarters, between the announcement of the election schedule on 12 December and 7 February, at least 411 election-related violent incidents were recorded across the country. 

These included five deaths, 127 clashes between rival supporters, 43 incidents of campaign obstruction, 35 attacks on election offices and institutions, 19 cases of blockades or protests, and four incidents involving illegal firearms.

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 significantly higher figures, highlighting discrepancies 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, a figure 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 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.

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. "We want to vote, but only if the situation stays calm," said one voter.

Security analyst Touhidul Haque, associate professor at Dhaka University's Institute of Social Welfare and Research, said election-time violence reflects a deeper political culture. "Democracy is often discussed but rarely practiced in reality," 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 insist they are prepared. Police said around 943,050 personnel will be deployed on election day, with 25,500 body-worn cameras, 500 drones, dog squads, and special monitoring units focusing on high-risk centres.

Speaking at the DMP Media Centre today (9 February), Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali said the 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.