Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Tuesday said any weapon poses a threat during national elections.
He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists at a press conference held at the Police Headquarters Media Centre on the overall law and order situation ahead of the national parliamentary elections.
Asked about firearms looted from police stations, the IGP said: “Any weapon is a threat.” He added that illegal arms enter the country through various routes and that law enforcement agencies have taken comprehensive measures to address the issue.
Regarding licensed firearms, Baharul Alam said that following a directive from the home ministry, 27,995 legal weapons have so far been deposited by their owners.
“The number of weapons that have not been deposited is not significant. Some may be kept in lockers at home or abroad. The number of such cases is very small,” he said.
He said strict restrictions have been imposed on licensed firearms to ensure the 13th national parliamentary election is free, fair and peaceful.
A total of 187,603 police personnel will be deployed nationwide for election duty, he added.
Outlining the security arrangements, the IGP said a three-tier security system will be in place. Technology will also be used to strengthen monitoring.
“CCTV cameras have been installed in around 90% of polling centres. Body cameras will be used at risky centres, and police superintendents will deploy drones where necessary,” he said.