Nearly 70 per cent of polling stations in Narayanganj-3—comprising Sonargaon and parts of Siddhirganj—have been classified as “risky” ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) election, according to district administration sources. The decision places 147 of the constituency’s 210 polling stations in the categories of “important” or “very important”, signalling heightened security concerns in the run-up to polling day.
Officials confirmed that, of the total 210 centres, 143 are located in Sonargaon Upazila and 67 in the Siddhirganj portion of the constituency. In Sonargaon, 109 centres have been identified as risky, while in Siddhirganj 38 centres fall into the same category. The remaining 63 polling stations have been assessed as general or comparatively risk-free.
Risk Classification of Polling Stations
| Area | Total Centres | Risky Centres | General Centres |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonargaon | 143 | 109 | 34 |
| Siddhirganj | 67 | 38 | 29 |
| Total | 210 | 147 | 63 |
The classification process took into account a range of factors, including the number of registered voters per centre, distance from the nearest police station, political dominance or rivalry in the locality, and geographical challenges such as remote riverine or char (sandbank) areas. Based on these criteria, polling stations have been colour-coded: red for highly vulnerable, yellow for vulnerable, and green for general.
Police sources have outlined a tiered security deployment plan. At highly vulnerable centres, three police officers are expected to be stationed; at vulnerable centres, two officers; and at general centres, one officer. All assigned police personnel will be equipped with firearms and body-worn cameras to enhance accountability and deter potential irregularities.
In addition, each polling station will have 13 members of Ansar deployed to assist with maintaining order. Mobile teams, executive magistrates, and members of the Bangladesh Army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will also be engaged to provide layered security coverage across the constituency.
Mohammad Imran Ahmed, Additional Superintendent of Police (Circle-B) in Narayanganj, stated that law enforcement agencies have undertaken comprehensive preparations in line with government directives to ensure a free, fair and festive election atmosphere. He emphasised that security measures have been strengthened particularly in geographically sensitive char areas.
Five polling stations in remote riverine localities—including two in Nunertek Char and three in Charkishoreganj-Charhogla—have been designated as “very important”. These centres will receive additional oversight through the deployment of a striking force and a dedicated executive magistrate at each location.
Returning Officer and Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Raihan Kabir confirmed that CCTV cameras will be installed at all important and very important polling stations. He added that enhanced surveillance, combined with the presence of striking forces, the Army and the BGB, is intended to bolster voter confidence and uphold electoral integrity.
With a substantial proportion of centres under heightened scrutiny, authorities face the dual challenge of safeguarding security while ensuring smooth voter participation in what is expected to be a closely watched parliamentary contest.