The Election Commission (EC) has strengthened digital surveillance to ensure security at polling centres during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum by introducing a mobile application titled "Election Protection".
The app will be used to instantly report any untoward incident at polling centres and enable rapid response from law enforcement agencies during voting hours.
According to an official letter signed by EC Senior Assistant Secretary Md Shahidul Islam on Tuesday, presiding officers, police personnel and Ansar members deployed at polling centres will be registered as end users of the application.
The directive has already been sent to all returning officers across the country.
The letter states that during the election and referendum, any unwanted or emergency situation at a polling centre can be reported immediately through the app. Once a report is submitted, relevant responders—including law enforcement agencies and, if necessary, armed forces—will receive instant notifications via SMS and the application, allowing them to take swift action.
The Election Commission said field-level officials have already received training on how to use the "Election Protection" app.
Presiding officers must complete their registration as end users to ensure the app’s effective implementation.
Returning officers, assistant returning officers, upazila and thana election officers have been instructed to take necessary measures to ensure proper registration and optimal use of the application to help conduct the election and referendum in a free, fair and orderly manner.
Election commissioner’s remarks
Speaking about the initiative, an election commissioner said the EC is prioritising technology-driven solutions to improve polling centre security.
“Election security can no longer rely solely on manpower. The use of technology will help ensure faster decision-making and immediate response. The ‘Election Protection’ app will play a key role in that process,” the commissioner said.
He added that real-time reporting of irregularities or violence would significantly reduce response time and enhance voter confidence.
Several election officials at the field level said the app would streamline incident reporting.
“Previously, reporting incidents involved delays. Now, location-based reports, photos and incident details can be sent instantly, which will help authorities act quickly,” one official said on condition of anonymity.
A member of a law enforcement agency said instant notifications would make coordination more effective.
“Direct alerts will help us respond faster than before,” the official added.
Regarding this security analyst Arif Moinuddin said the introduction of the app marks a new phase in the EC’s effort to use digital tools for election management.
However, they note that its effectiveness will depend largely on proper usage in the field and uninterrupted internet connectivity on polling day.
The Election Commission said all concerned officials have been instructed to ensure the app is used to its full capacity during voting to maintain law and order at polling centres.