In a robust effort to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming general election, Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd) Abul Fazl Md Sanaullah has announced the immediate deployment of a nationwide joint security task force. Delivering his address at a high-profile administrative session in Cox’s Bazar on Sunday, 4 January, the Commissioner detailed an expansive military and paramilitary strategy designed to neutralise threats to public order. He confirmed that a formal circular from the Ministry of Home Affairs is imminent, providing the legal and operational framework for this intensive security sweep.
The Election Commission (EC) has already synchronised its plans with the top brass of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies. According to Brigadier General Sanaullah, the joint forces—comprising the Army, Police, and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)—will operate with a clear, three-point mandate. The foremost priority is the aggressive recovery of illegal firearms. The EC is determined to mop up illicit stockpiles that often emerge during election cycles, ensuring that any weapons not recovered are rendered inaccessible for criminal use.
Beyond arms recovery, the task force is charged with the swift apprehension of “marked terrorists” and high-profile criminals who might attempt to intimidate voters or candidates. Furthermore, the joint forces will serve as the final arbiter for the Electoral Code of Conduct. While routine committees will manage minor infringements, the task force will intervene directly in cases of significant violations to prevent any political party from undermining the democratic process through force or illicit influence.
Addressing the unique security challenges of the coastal region, the Commissioner issued specific directives regarding the Rohingya refugee population. He mandated the “sealing” of refugee camps to prevent residents from being exploited for political gain or criminal activities. Furthermore, he ordered a significant increase in maritime and land-border patrols to deter the infiltration of saboteurs. Brigadier General Sanaullah warned that the success of this election is non-negotiable, stating that the nation must avoid the dire consequences of a failed electoral process at all costs.
Operational Framework of the Security Drive
| Mandate Pillar | Primary Focus | Enforcement Level |
| Weaponry | Recovery of illegal and unlicensed arms | Maximum force and targeted raids |
| Criminality | Arrest of documented terrorists and fugitives | High-priority apprehension |
| Code of Conduct | Monitoring major electoral law breaches | Strategic intervention for major cases |
| Refugee Oversight | Restricting movement in Rohingya camps | Complete “sealing” during the poll period |
| Frontier Safety | Vigilance on land and maritime borders | Counter-infiltration surveillance |