Comprehensive and multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place across Lalmonirhat district ahead of the Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election, with 218 out of 386 polling stations classified as either “Important” or “Highly Important” following a detailed risk assessment.
The classification was determined through coordinated evaluations conducted by the district administration, the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies. According to officials at the District Election Office, the assessment took into account intelligence inputs, the law and order record of previous elections, geographical vulnerabilities, transport and communication constraints, and the district’s proximity to the international border with India.
Lalmonirhat, a northern frontier district, shares an extensive border with India. Consequently, additional precautionary measures have been concentrated in several border-adjacent upazilas where heightened vigilance is deemed necessary to prevent illicit cross-border movement, trafficking of illegal arms and narcotics, and any attempts to disrupt polling.
The district comprises three parliamentary constituencies with a total electorate of 1,144,495 voters. Authorities have simultaneously launched awareness campaigns to encourage participation among men, women and first-time voters, aiming to ensure a credible, inclusive and peaceful electoral process.
Constituency-wise Breakdown of Polling Stations and Security Classification
| Constituency | Total Voters | Total Centres | Important | Highly Important |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lalmonirhat-1 (Patgram–Hatibandha) | 403,561 | 137 | 35 | 42 |
| Lalmonirhat-2 (Kaliganj–Aditmari) | 432,964 | 154 | 44 | 48 |
| Lalmonirhat-3 (Sadar) | 307,970 | 93 | 33 | 16 |
| Total | 1,144,495 | 386 | 112 | 106 |
Under the security blueprint, additional armed police personnel, Ansar members and Village Defence Party volunteers will be deployed at all Important and Highly Important centres. The most sensitive locations will also be covered by mobile patrols, standby striking forces and rapid response teams to address any untoward incident without delay.
In a procedural innovation, selected polling stations will, for the first time, have armed Ansar members assigned specifically to ensure the security of Presiding Officers. Officials believe this measure will enhance confidence among election personnel and facilitate uninterrupted polling.
In the four border upazilas—Patgram, Hatibandha, Kaliganj and Aditmari—22 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed. Their mandate includes intensified patrols, the establishment of temporary check posts and close monitoring of suspicious movements. Intelligence surveillance has also been strengthened to deter illegal arms circulation, narcotics trafficking and unlawful entry.
The Superintendent of Police confirmed that a layered security cordon has been formed through coordinated deployment of police, BGB, Ansar forces and executive magistrates. Plans are also in place to use closed-circuit television cameras and body-worn cameras at selected polling stations to reinforce transparency and accountability.
District authorities have stated that all preparations have been completed. They have expressed firm commitment to ensuring that polling day remains peaceful, orderly and widely accepted by voters and stakeholders alike.