Security Strategy for 13th National Election

Bangladesh is advancing towards its highly competitive 13th National Parliamentary Election, marking the country’s third general election under the current democratic framework. While the election administration asserts that it is fully prepared, security concerns have emerged across multiple levels, encompassing returning officers, assistant returning officers, district and sub-district election offices, and individual polling centres.

A high-level meeting was convened at the Election Commission Secretariat last Tuesday. The meeting was attended by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, four commissioners, district commissioners, police superintendents, DIG-range officers, divisional commissioners, and regional and district election officials. The principal agenda focused on securing high-risk areas, safeguarding polling stations, increasing voter participation, and maintaining law and order during the election period.

According to a district commissioner from the Rajshahi division, proposals have already been submitted for the deployment of six Ansar members at district election offices. The protection of returning and assistant returning officers has been identified as a priority. Police officials have highlighted that offices in the Khulna region are particularly vulnerable. All ten district offices in Khulna will have round-the-clock security, although some sub-district offices remain without adequate protection.

In Cox’s Bazar, it has been proposed that hotels and motels be temporarily closed during the election period to prevent potential infiltration by terrorists. District commissioners have been instructed by the Home Affairs advisor to close any facilities in advance if security risks are detected.

Law enforcement personnel will be deployed at polling stations 48 hours prior to voting. Overall, officers will remain on duty for nine days: five days before election day, election day itself, and three days after. Effective coordination in managing illegal arms and legally held weapons has been identified as a significant operational challenge.

The table below summarises the high-risk areas and proposed security measures:

CEC A.M.M. Nasir Uddin emphasised, “Hearing your reports strengthens my confidence. Work impartially in the field. Returning and presiding officers will be treated as VIPs during the election. Maintaining communal harmony remains our utmost priority.”

Advisors, including Chief Advisor Khoda Box Chowdhury and Cultural Advisor Mostafa Sarwar Farooqui, stressed voter awareness campaigns and effective management of students at polling centres. Recommendations were also made for complaint resolution, magistrate appointments, and the seizure of illegal arms.

The Election Commission is actively coordinating with field administration to ensure a secure, peaceful, and impartial election environment, reflecting its commitment to uphold democratic processes throughout the country.