Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the government and law enforcement agencies have completed extensive preparations to ensure security at polling stations across the country, amid lingering concerns over the potential for violence on election day.
To strengthen centre-based security, members of the police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Ansar will be deployed alongside personnel from the army, navy and air force. Other law enforcement and intelligence agencies will also remain on standby to maintain law and order. Technology-based surveillance systems are being integrated into the overall security plan.
Questions are being raised at the field level over whether police and law enforcement agencies will be able to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of sudden violence or disorder at polling stations. There is also debate over whether adequate mental preparedness and counseling support have been provided to police personnel deployed for prolonged election duty.
Concerns have intensified following statements made by political leaders at election rallies that appear to signal displays of muscle power. Observers note that, in this context, the possibility of clashes or tension on polling day cannot be entirely ruled out.
Security plan
According to sources at the Ministry of Home Affairs, police, Ansar, and Village Defence Party (VDP) members will be deployed at every polling station to ensure security during the election. Additional forces, including mobile patrol teams and reserve units, will be stationed at high-risk centres. The authorities have also kept preparations in place for the rapid deployment of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and, if necessary, the armed forces in the event of any deterioration in the situation.
Polling stations will be monitored using body-worn cameras, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and drones. The “Election Security App 2026” will remain operational. Authorities said the plan aims to ensure a transparent and peaceful election through maximum use of technology.
Police officials said that while preparations for election duty may appear adequate on paper, real-life situations often unfold differently. They noted that in the event of a sudden clash at a polling station, the first few minutes are the most critical, with the outcome largely dependent on the immediate decision-making ability and mental composure of field-level police personnel.
Police members deployed for election duty are required to work long hours with limited rest, often under intense pressure. Several field-level police personnel said that although regular briefings are conducted, there is little in the way of structured counselling or psychological support to help them cope with mental stress during such high-stakes assignments.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali said police personnel have been adequately prepared for election duty through counseling and necessary briefings, considering the mental pressure associated with the task.
He said officers have been instructed to carry out their responsibilities with the utmost patience, restraint, and professionalism.
The DMP commissioner added that comprehensive preparations have been taken to ensure maximum security at polling stations, with strict monitoring in place to prevent any untoward incidents.
He further said special surveillance measures and patrols will be intensified at remote and high-risk polling centers, particularly those located far from police stations.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam said that the police will carry out election duties in coordination with other law enforcement agencies rather than acting alone. He emphasized that the forces are fully prepared to handle any untoward situations, with reserve units ready to be deployed immediately if necessary.
IGP Alam also noted that field-level officers have been granted the authority to make swift decisions, ensuring that any emerging situations can be brought under control before they escalate.
At a view-exchange meeting on Tuesday, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman said any attempt at ballot snatching, vote rigging or obstructing voters on polling day would be dealt with strictly.
Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said there is no room for laxity regarding polling station security. He added that law enforcement agencies have been given clear instructions to control any disorder and that additional forces will be deployed if necessary.
Security measures, he noted, have been formulated based on center-wise risk assessments to ensure a smooth and safe voting process.
