In a worrying incident ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary elections, CCTV cameras were reportedly stolen from the Beirag Government Primary School polling centre in Anowara Upazila. Local residents claim that miscreants removed the cameras during the night of Tuesday, 10 February.
The theft came to light the following morning, when officials and local residents arrived at the centre and noticed the absence of the surveillance equipment. Subsequent inquiries confirmed that the cameras had been deliberately dismantled and taken sometime during the night, raising questions about the security measures in place at polling stations.
This alarming incident has heightened concerns over the safety of election infrastructure, particularly as the nation prepares for the highly anticipated vote. Locals expressed fears that the removal of the cameras could be part of a larger plan to create chaos or incite disruption on polling day. Many have urged the authorities to identify the perpetrators quickly and impose exemplary punishment to deter any future attempts.
Community members have also demanded the immediate installation of replacement CCTV cameras and the deployment of additional law enforcement personnel to ensure that the polling centre remains secure. Their collective appeal underscores the crucial role of surveillance in maintaining transparency and order during elections.
Speaking on the matter, Anowara Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Md. Junayet Chowdhury, stated: “Upon receiving the report, the Upazila Executive Officer was immediately informed, and a police team was dispatched to the scene. We are committed to identifying those responsible and taking necessary legal action.”
The incident at Beirag Government Primary School is not an isolated concern. Across the country, the security of polling centres has come under increased scrutiny as authorities work to guarantee free and fair elections. Experts argue that surveillance systems like CCTV cameras are vital not only for deterring criminal activity but also for providing accountability in the lead-up to and during the election process.
Polling Centre Security Overview – Beirag Upazila
| Polling Centre | Location | Incident Date | Nature of Incident | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beirag Government Primary School | Anowara Upazila, Chattogram | 10 Feb 2026 | CCTV cameras stolen | Police notified; investigation underway |
| Other Centres in Upazila | Various | Ongoing | Standard security checks | Additional monitoring deployed |
The theft has prompted local authorities and election officials to re-evaluate security protocols, ensuring that every polling station is equipped with operational surveillance and rapid response teams ahead of voting day.
As investigations continue, the incident has sparked broader debate about election security and the measures required to prevent sabotage, highlighting the delicate balance between accessibility and protection at polling venues.