National Desk

The government has announced that law enforcement agencies will be actively deployed five days prior to the elections, with large-scale security operations planned, according to Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Adviser to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday (15 November) around 2:30 PM in front of the Patuakhali Circuit House, he outlined the security arrangements for the upcoming polls.

The Home Affairs Adviser stated that law enforcement agencies will be deployed for a total of nine days during the election period. This includes the five days before the elections, election day itself, and the three days following the polls. He further noted that major operations would take place during the five days leading up to the elections.

Currently, 30,000 military personnel are deployed in the area, and this number is expected to rise to 100,000 during the election period. In addition, other law enforcement forces include 150,000 police officers, approximately 35,000 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel, 5,000 Navy personnel, 4,000 Coast Guard members, 8,000 Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) members, and roughly 550,000 members of the Ansar and Village Defence Party.

“There is no room for doubt regarding election security. The elections will be conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner,” the Home Affairs Adviser said.

Following this briefing, he visited the Patuakhali Police Lines and the Coast Guard Station. He will also inspect the Naval Police and Tourist Police camp in Kuakata. After staying overnight there, he is scheduled to travel to Barishal early the next morning and proceed to Dhaka.

The intensified security measures aim to ensure a peaceful and well-ordered election environment. The deployment of forces across strategic locations in Patuakhali and surrounding areas is intended to prevent any potential incidents of violence, voter intimidation, or disruption. Key sites, roads, and polling stations will be closely monitored to maintain security.

Local administration will coordinate closely with law enforcement agencies to implement the election security plan. The agencies will remain vigilant around the clock to guarantee that voters can cast their ballots in a safe and secure environment.