Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said the government's primary responsibility is to assist the Election Commission (EC), describing the upcoming national election as a major challenge that must be completed successfully and remembered as a historic achievement.
He stressed the need for maximum preparedness to ensure there are no lapses on polling day. "There must be no shortcomings anywhere on February 12," he said, adding, "The 2026 election must set an example for future elections."
* Body cameras, CCTV cameras will be used during the election* All activities to be monitored from a central control room
* Representatives from 26 countries invited to observe polls
* Uninterrupted electricity supply on Election Day
* Mobile, internet services at polling centres to be ensured
The remarks came at a high-level meeting on the overall law and order situation held at the Chief Adviser's Office, focusing on the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on implementing the July National Charter. Professor Yunus chaired the meeting, according to the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.
The Chief Adviser said election preparations are now entering a phase-by-phase test. "The process starts today, and February 12 will be the final test. The Election Commission's directives are paramount, and everyone must work in unison following its instructions," he said.
He noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs will play the central role in maintaining law and order. Highlighting emerging challenges, including technological ones, he said body cameras and CCTV cameras will be used during the election, with all activities monitored from a central control room.
Professor Yunus emphasized the need for seamless coordination among all forces involved in election duties. He also noted that a large number of local and international journalists, along with foreign observers, will monitor the election. "They are taking this very seriously, and we must be super serious as well," he said.
Expressing optimism, he said current preparations indicate that a fair and peaceful election is possible. He also observed that contesting candidates are maintaining a positive attitude and mutual goodwill, expressing hope that this environment will continue.
At the meeting, Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said 51 of the 59 registered political parties are participating in the election. He added that representatives from 26 countries have been invited to observe the polls, and the European Union is expected to deploy an observation mission of nearly 300 members. Of them, 56 are already in Bangladesh, including two who observed the nomination appeal process.
He said candidates can continue election campaigning from midnight until 7:30am on February 10. Warning that misinformation in cyberspace would pose a major challenge, he noted that counting ballots-including party-symbol ballots, referendum ballots and postal ballots-would require additional time. He urged the media to act responsibly to prevent the spread of rumours.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said his ministry is working to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply on election day. Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and ICT Faiz Ahmed Taiyab said steps are being taken to ensure uninterrupted mobile network and internet services at all polling centres.
Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman said 3,619 weapons were looted from police stations during the mass uprising in August 2024, of which 2,259-about 62.4 percent-have been recovered. He added that of the 456,418 rounds of looted ammunition, 237,100 rounds, or 52 percent, have been recovered.
He said security forces are taking coordinated measures to ensure public confidence during the election, which, if implemented effectively, would help ensure a peaceful poll.
Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) Director General Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud said armed Ansar members will be deployed inside polling centres to ensure the safety of presiding officers. He said no one will be allowed to unlawfully remove polling agents or engage in illegal activities.
Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said members of the armed forces will be considered law enforcement agencies during the election and may enter polling centre premises if necessary.
Home Secretary Nasimul Ghani said body cameras will be delivered to local levels within the next five days, and police and other forces will use drones where required. He added that all forces will be deployed four days before polling and will remain in the field for seven days after the election.
He said multiple teams led by joint secretaries of the Ministry of Home Affairs have begun round-the-clock monitoring and recording of election-related field-level information.
Through body cameras, real-time connectivity to specific areas will enable incidents to be recorded. A video demonstration on the use of body cameras was also presented at the meeting.
Concluding the meeting, the Chief Adviser said body cameras have significant potential and, if used properly, could contribute greatly to the success of the election. He added that such meetings will now be held weekly, or more frequently if necessary.
