Patuakhali, Nov 15: Home Affairs Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said that law enforcement agencies will be deployed in full strength for nine days surrounding the upcoming national election, which is now likely to be held in February instead of January.
Speaking to reporters at the Patuakhali Circuit House on Saturday, the Adviser said that five days before the election, on election day, and for the next three days, the entire field administration will remain on high alert to maintain law and order. "Major operations will take place during the five days leading up to the election," he added.
According to the Adviser, around 100,000 troops, 150,000 police personnel, 35,000 members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), 5,000 from the Navy, 4,000 Coast Guard members, 8,000 RAB personnel, and approximately 550,000 Ansar members will be deployed across the country. Currently, around 30,000 army personnel are already operating in the field.
He further said that the field administration will be reshuffled through a lottery system before the announcement of the election schedule. "All preparations have been completed to ensure a successful 13th parliamentary election," he noted.
Highlighting the role of Ansar members, the Adviser stated that they will be given firearms for election duties this time, as they play a crucial role in ensuring security at polling stations.
Referring to the political context, Jahangir Alam said he does not foresee any major complexity regarding the election since political parties have already begun nominating candidates. "The election depends on the people and the political parties. As parties have become election-oriented, I do not expect any further complications," he said.
The Adviser also commented on the upcoming verdict scheduled for Monday in the case filed against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two others over crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising. He assured that the law enforcement agencies have taken all necessary precautions ahead of the announcement. "The government does not anticipate significant challenges surrounding the verdict. The security forces are fully prepared," he added.
Barishal Range DIG of Police Md Manjur Morshed Alam, Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shahid Hossain Chowdhury, Superintendent of Police Md Anwar Zahid, and several officials from the local administration and government departments were present during the briefing.
Following the media briefing, the Adviser left for Kuakata to inspect the Tourist Police and River Police camps. Earlier, he visited the Police Lines and Coast Guard Base in Patuakhali town.
