The government has allocated Tk 719.83 million to install CCTV cameras at 21,946 high-priority and risky polling stations across the country ahead of 13th national parliament election and referendum scheduled for February 12.
Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, announced the allocation at a briefing at Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Tuesday, following the 119th meeting of National Implementation Committee on Administrative Reorganization (NICAR).
Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Shafiqul Alam was also present.
Out of approximately 42,000 polling stations nationwide, 6,552 already have CCTV coverage, while cameras are being installed at the remaining centres.
The 21,946 polling stations designated as “high-risk” will receive special funding from Finance Ministry, with at least six CCTV cameras to be installed at each location.
Installation in other, non-risky polling stations is being carried out using funds from local administrations, city corporations, and district authorities.
Azad Majumder noted that CCTV installation is nearly complete in several districts, with Gazipur cited as a model.
Of its 935 polling centres, 447 are considered risky and most have already been equipped with cameras under the special allocation, with remaining installations expected by 31 January.
He also highlighted that 299 polling centres currently lack electricity connections.
Authorities are working to provide solar power and administrations have been instructed to ensure electricity on election day, including through generators if necessary.
During the briefing, Shafiqul Alam said NICAR meeting also discussed improving law and order management in Dhaka amid rapid population growth, including proposals to divide Dhaka Metropolitan Police into north and south zones or restructure it into multiple units, though no final decision has been made.
Alam strongly condemned a recent violent incident in Chattogram’s Jungle Salimpur area, pledging that all involved would be brought to justice.
He added that joint forces would conduct intensified operations, including combing surrounding areas to recover looted weapons.
SH
