Seventy Per Cent of Polling Stations at Risk in Narayanganj-3

As preparations intensify for Bangladesh’s Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election, the administration has classified nearly 70 per cent of polling stations in the Narayanganj-3 constituency—comprising Sonargaon and parts of Siddhirganj—as vulnerable. The decision underscores heightened security concerns in a seat regarded as politically sensitive and strategically significant.

According to administrative sources, of the 210 polling centres across the two upazilas, 147 have been designated either “important” or “very important”, effectively marking them as at risk. In Sonargaon upazila, 109 out of 143 centres have been listed as vulnerable. In the Siddhirganj segment, 38 of 67 centres have been similarly categorised. The remaining 63 centres have been deemed general or relatively risk-free.

Classification of Polling Centres in Narayanganj-3

Authorities have applied several criteria in determining risk levels. These include the number of registered voters per centre, distance from the nearest police station, prevailing political dominance in the locality, and geographical challenges—particularly in remote riverine char areas. Based on these factors, centres have been colour-coded into three categories: red (highly vulnerable), yellow (vulnerable), and green (general).

Police officials have outlined an initial deployment strategy tailored to these classifications. Highly vulnerable centres will be assigned three police officers each, vulnerable centres two officers, and general centres one officer. All officers stationed at polling stations will carry firearms and body-worn cameras to ensure transparency and accountability.

In addition, 13 Ansar personnel will be deployed at every polling centre. Beyond static deployment, mobile teams, executive magistrates, and members of the Bangladesh Army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will be engaged to reinforce security throughout the electoral period.

Imran Ahmed, Additional Superintendent of Police (B-Circle), Narayanganj, stated that comprehensive measures have been undertaken in accordance with government directives to guarantee a free, fair and festive election environment. He confirmed that 147 centres have been designated as vulnerable or highly important.

Special attention is being directed towards five polling centres in remote char regions. Two centres in Nunertek and three in the Char Kishoreganj–Char Hogla এলাকায় have been categorised as highly important. Each of these will have a dedicated executive magistrate and a striking force on standby to respond swiftly to any untoward incidents.

Returning Officer and Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Md Raihan Kabir further announced that CCTV cameras will be installed at every important and highly important polling station. Police officers assigned to the most sensitive centres will be equipped with firearms and body-worn cameras, while striking forces, army personnel and BGB members will remain actively deployed to safeguard the electoral process.

With Narayanganj-3 under close watch, the authorities’ multi-layered security strategy reflects a determination to uphold electoral integrity amid complex local dynamics.