Ballots for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the accompanying referendum have started arriving at polling centres across Bangladesh. By Wednesday night, all necessary election materials—including ballot papers and boxes—are expected to reach centres outside Dhaka. In major cities, including the capital, ballot boxes are scheduled to be delivered by this evening. Voting will take place tomorrow, 12 February, from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
This year, voters will cast their ballots using two separate papers. The white ballot will be used to elect members of parliament, while the pink ballot will be employed for the referendum.
The Election Commission has announced that approximately 958,000 law enforcement personnel will be deployed nationwide to ensure smooth and secure voting.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam stated yesterday that security arrangements have been implemented at three levels: stationary polling centres, mobile units, and striking forces. “The level of security in place ensures that no one has the capacity to disrupt the election,” he said. “While isolated incidents such as theft or violent crime may occur, the election process itself cannot be impeded.”
Authorities have categorised polling centres based on risk levels to ensure focused security management. A total of 8,770 centres have been identified as highly vulnerable, while another 16,000 centres are considered medium-risk.
Security Deployment by Risk Level
| Risk Level | Number of Polling Centres | Security Notes |
|---|---|---|
| High Risk | 8,770 | Maximum security deployment, special units assigned |
| Medium Risk | 16,000 | Regular monitoring with additional patrolling |
| Low Risk | Remaining centres | Standard security measures |
With these arrangements, the authorities aim to provide voters with a safe environment to exercise their democratic rights. Election officials have also urged citizens to remain vigilant, follow guidelines at polling stations, and report any suspicious activity.
As Bangladesh prepares for one of its largest electoral exercises in recent years, the combination of comprehensive security measures and meticulous logistical planning underscores the country’s commitment to a smooth and credible electoral process.