One hundred platoons of Coast Guard have been deployed in the coastal region to maintain law and order during the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum slated for February 12. The deployment covers 332 polling centres in 69 coastal unions.
According to the Coast Guard, a total of 3,585 members have been deployed for 28 days from January 18 to February 14. The platoons, divided into two units, are currently operating in coastal and riverine areas of Narayanganj, Chandpur, Khulna, Chattogram, Lakshmipur, Noakhali, Cox’s Bazar, Barisal, Patuakhali, and Bhola.
Director General of the Bangladesh Coast Guard Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Haque said that 200 Coast Guard members have been deployed at 22 polling stations in the Meghna coastal area of Chandpur. Referring to public concerns arising from previous elections, he said the Coast Guard is fully prepared to ensure a free, fair, and impartial election this time.
He added that law enforcement agencies will use modern technology, including mobile applications, cameras, and drones, to monitor polling stations. “We are not anticipating any major threats. Our presence has already helped build public confidence, and we expect voting to take place in a peaceful and festive environment,” he said.
Rear Admiral Ziaul Haque noted that the Coast Guard has earned public trust as a dependable force in maintaining security and law and order in coastal, inland waterway, and remote riverine areas, particularly in districts like Chandpur.
Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haque said that under the West Zone, Coast Guard personnel are deployed at 66 polling stations in 16 unions across Dakope, Koyra, and Mathbaria upazilas under the Khulna-1, Khulna-6, and Pirojpur-3 constituencies.
Special intelligence operations, drone surveillance, regular patrols, and legal measures are being implemented in vulnerable and sensitive areas to ensure a secure voting environment.
Coast Guard sources said the referendum and the election will be held to promote an accountable, welfare-oriented, and prosperous Bangladesh. Alongside maintaining law and order, the Coast Guard remains on high alert to ensure voters’ rights and prevent any form of violence, they added.
The Bangladesh Coast Guard reiterated its commitment to supporting other law enforcement agencies and local administrations to ensure the security of people and property and help create an environment conducive to a free, fair, and credible election.