With the forthcoming thirteenth Jatiya Sangsad election and the related referendum approaching, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has introduced a series of special measures to maintain public order and ensure a calm electoral environment in the capital. Central to this initiative is the launch of a dedicated election hotline, designed to receive information, complaints and reports of irregularities swiftly and to enable immediate action where necessary. The move is widely viewed as a significant step towards facilitating a free, fair and credible election.
According to the DMP, the hotline will remain operational throughout the election period and will allow city residents to report any matter that could undermine the integrity of the polls. These include breaches of the electoral code of conduct, disturbances at or around polling centres, intimidation or harassment of voters, attempts to exert undue influence, illegal campaigning, as well as any suspicious or unlawful activity connected to the electoral process. Police officials stressed that the system has been introduced to ensure that ordinary citizens can share information easily and without fear.
Speaking on Monday (2 February), Deputy Commissioner of Police Muhammad Talebur Rahman urged residents to contact the police without delay if they notice any action that could affect the election or violate established rules. He stated that the police would remain on the highest level of alert to preserve a peaceful atmosphere and that all credible information received through the hotline would be acted upon promptly in accordance with the law.
Senior DMP officials further explained that all police stations and relevant units across the capital have been issued with special instructions for the election period. Complaints received via the hotline will be verified, after which immediate measures may be taken, including intensified patrols, deployment of mobile teams, or coordination with the appropriate authorities. The DMP also expects the hotline to play an important role in countering rumours, misinformation and misleading propaganda that often circulate during elections and have the potential to create unrest.
The police emphasised that a transparent and orderly election cannot be ensured by law enforcement agencies alone. Active participation and cooperation from citizens are essential. By remaining vigilant and reporting irregularities as soon as they arise, voters can help strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and contribute to a more accountable democratic system.
An overview of the DMP’s election communication initiative is presented below:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiative | Special Election Hotline |
| Implementing Authority | Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) |
| Primary Objective | Receiving election-related information and complaints |
| Issues That Can Be Reported | Code of conduct violations, violence, intimidation, irregularities |
| Key Benefit | Rapid communication and immediate response |
Expressing optimism, the DMP said it believes that the special hotline will encourage greater civic engagement and help ensure a peaceful, inclusive and acceptable election in Dhaka. The police administration has called upon city residents to cooperate fully, reiterating that only through collective effort can democratic practices be safeguarded and strengthened.