Chandina, Comilla – 12 February 2026:
In a serious security incident, the Bangladesh Army recovered a cache of locally made weapons near a polling station in Chandina, Comilla, on Thursday morning. The discovery was made adjacent to the Harong High School polling centre, located in Ward 2 of the Chandina Upazila headquarters, at approximately 11:00 am.
According to a press release issued by the Chandina Army Camp, the seized weapons included machetes, knives, iron rods, and other potentially lethal items, believed to have been positioned by criminal elements to intimidate voters and disrupt the electoral process.
“The individuals responsible abandoned the weapons and fled the scene when troops arrived, following a tip-off from confidential sources,” the Army statement read. “Such armaments in public spaces could create panic among local residents and obstruct the conduct of free and fair elections.”
Recovered Weapons:
| Sl. No | Type of Weapon | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sheni (blunt weapons) | 5 |
| 2 | Ramda (sickle-like) | 2 |
| 3 | Knives | 2 |
| 4 | Chinese hatchets | 4 |
| 5 | Iron rods | Not specified |
Chandina Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Md. Atikur Rahman, stated that the weapons have not yet been handed over to the police station. They will be formally submitted for investigation and appropriate legal action once army personnel complete the preliminary assessment.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections in Chandina and across the country. “Our priority is to maintain a safe environment so that voters can exercise their democratic rights without fear,” the press release added.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in securing polling stations from armed interference, especially in areas where tensions and political rivalry remain high. Local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately to law enforcement agencies.
This proactive operation by the Bangladesh Army underscores the role of security forces in safeguarding the democratic process and preventing criminal elements from jeopardising public safety during elections.