As Bangladesh approaches the closely contested 13th National Parliamentary Election, the country’s election administration is reported to be fully prepared. However, concerns over security have emerged as a critical issue at multiple levels, including returning officers, assistant returning officers, district and upazila election offices, and individual polling stations.
A high-level meeting was held last Tuesday at the Election Commission Secretariat, attended by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, four other commissioners, district commissioners (DCs), police superintendents (SPs), DIG-range officers, divisional commissioners, and regional and district election officials. The discussions focused on identifying high-risk areas, securing polling stations, promoting voter turnout, and maintaining law and order during the election period.
A district commissioner from the Rajshahi Division stated that proposals have already been made to deploy six Ansar personnel per district election office. Ensuring the safety of returning officers and assistant returning officers remains a priority. Police officials highlighted that offices in the Khulna region are particularly vulnerable. While all ten district offices in Khulna have round-the-clock security, several upazila offices remain exposed.
In Cox’s Bazar, authorities have proposed temporarily closing hotels and motels during the election to prevent potential terrorist infiltration. The Home Affairs Advisor has instructed district commissioners to close establishments proactively if any security risk is detected.
Law enforcement personnel will be deployed to polling stations 48 hours prior to voting. This year, officers will remain in the field for nine consecutive days—five days before election day, on the election day itself, and for three days after. The collection of illegal arms and the management of legally held weapons have been identified as logistical challenges requiring careful coordination.
The table below summarises high-risk areas and proposed security measures:
| District/Upazila | High-Risk Offices | Proposed Security Measures | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khulna | 10 district & upazila offices | 24/7 Ansar deployment | Budget constraints |
| Rajshahi | District offices | Six Ansar personnel deployed | Protection of assistant returning officers required |
| Cox’s Bazar | Hotels & motels | Temporarily closed during elections | Prevents disguised terrorists |
| Dhaka | Polling stations | Law enforcement deployed 48 hours prior | Focus on increasing voter turnout |
During the meeting, CEC A.M.M. Nasir Uddin emphasised, “Hearing your reports strengthens my confidence. Work in the field impartially. Returning and presiding officers are considered VIPs during the election. Maintaining communal harmony is our top priority.”
Special assistants to the Chief Advisor, Khoda Bokhs Chowdhury, and Cultural Advisor Mostafa Sarwar Farooqi stressed voter awareness campaigns and student management at polling sites. Special measures were also recommended for complaint resolution, magistrate appointments, and confiscation of illegal arms.
Overall, the Election Commission, in coordination with field administrations, is taking comprehensive steps to ensure a safe, peaceful, and impartial election environment.