The Election Commission of Bangladesh has unveiled a comprehensive set of voting guidelines aimed at ensuring transparency, security, and public confidence ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the accompanying referendum. Central to this directive is the mandatory operation of existing CCTV cameras in all educational institutions designated as polling centres, a move that underscores the Commission’s determination to uphold electoral integrity.
According to the Election Commission, these measures form part of a wider strategy to deliver a smooth, credible, and orderly voting process. By strengthening surveillance and improving infrastructure readiness, the EC hopes to deter irregularities while reassuring voters that their participation will take place in a secure environment.
The directive was formally issued on Wednesday, 17 December, by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain and communicated to the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, and the Local Government Division. The notice makes it clear that polling stations must be fully prepared well in advance of election day. This includes ensuring easy access for voters, addressing any structural shortcomings, and completing necessary renovations so that centres are safe, functional, and welcoming to the public.
Special emphasis has been placed on uninterrupted power supply. Polling stations located in areas without electricity are required to arrange suitable power connections prior to voting day. The Commission has further instructed that all existing CCTV systems must remain operational throughout the election. In centres where CCTV facilities are not currently installed, authorities have been urged to make at least temporary arrangements for election day, ensuring proper monitoring and accountability.
Beyond infrastructure and surveillance, the guidelines stress administrative responsibility. District commissioners, police superintendents, and upazila executive officers have been directed to personally inspect polling stations under their jurisdiction. These visits are intended to identify potential risks early and ensure that preparations meet the Commission’s standards.
Inclusivity also features prominently in the new guidelines. The Election Commission has instructed polling authorities to make special arrangements for elderly voters, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women. Particular care has been advised in cyclone shelters used as polling centres, where mobility challenges may be more pronounced. These provisions reflect the EC’s commitment to safeguarding equal voting rights for all citizens, regardless of physical condition or circumstance.