In a decisive move to ensure law and order ahead of the forthcoming elections, Bangladesh has launched a nationwide joint forces operation, confirmed Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah. The announcement was made on Sunday during a meeting organised by the Cox’s Bazar District Administration, where General Sanaullah provided preliminary details of the operation.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to issue an official circular later today, outlining detailed instructions and operational objectives. Speaking at the event, General Sanaullah emphasised that this operation would be implemented simultaneously across the entire country, aiming to minimise incidents of election-related lawlessness.
“The operation has three core objectives,” General Sanaullah explained:
| Objective No. | Focus Area | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illegal Arms | Confiscation of illicit weapons nationwide before elections; any unseizable weapons will be monitored to prevent misuse. |
| 2 | Crime Control | Identification and arrest of known criminals and terrorists, ensuring they are brought under the law. |
| 3 | Election Conduct Monitoring | Oversight of parties and candidates to ensure adherence to electoral conduct codes. Major violations will be addressed by joint forces, while minor infractions will be monitored by routine committees. |
Addressing security concerns related to the Rohingya camps, General Sanaullah warned that strict monitoring would be in place. “The camps will be sealed, and vigilance along land borders and maritime routes will be intensified, preventing any criminal elements from exploiting these areas,” he said.
The operation follows consultations with all force chiefs at the Election Commission, ensuring that every headquarters is fully prepared. General Sanaullah expressed confidence that the coordinated efforts of the joint forces would strengthen national security and provide an environment conducive to a peaceful electoral process.
Experts note that such pre-election operations play a critical role in suppressing potential criminal activity, maintaining public order, and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. By targeting illegal arms, crime networks, and monitoring electoral conduct, the initiative aims to foster a secure environment for voters and candidates alike.
As the country moves closer to the elections, the nationwide operation by joint forces is expected to be a deterrent against violence, electoral malpractice, and opportunistic criminal activity, thereby contributing to a safe and transparent democratic process.