150,000 Police to Be Trained for Election Duty in Bangladesh

As part of preparations for the forthcoming national election, a total of 150,000 police personnel will receive specialised training, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus announced on Monday.

Speaking to journalists at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, Shafiqul Alam cited the Inspector General of Police (IGP), noting that the large-scale training initiative is scheduled to take place from September through November.

The primary objective of this training is to ensure the maintenance of law and order during the electoral period and to strengthen the force’s ability to respond swiftly to any potential unrest or emergency.

A review meeting was held on the same day at the Chief Adviser’s official residence, Jamuna, chaired by Dr Muhammad Yunus. The meeting focused on assessing the law enforcement agencies’ preparedness for the elections. Senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, police, military, and local administration were in attendance.

One key topic of discussion was the importance of enhanced coordination among law enforcement agencies, the armed forces, and local authorities to ensure a peaceful and fair election process.

Additionally, in light of the rampant circulation of misinformation and rumours ahead of the election—factors that could significantly impact public perception and electoral integrity—plans are underway to establish a National Information Centre. This body will be responsible for disseminating accurate information and countering false narratives.

Summary Table: Points from the Review Meeting

This comprehensive approach aims to ensure electoral transparency, security, and a coordinated response mechanism nationwide.