Thakurgaon:A total of 21 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed in the Thakurgaon-1 constituency to ensure a peaceful by-election scheduled for October 29. Colonel Md Suruj Mia, the BGB sector commander in Thakurgaon, announced that the personnel would operate as mobile and striking forces to prevent any untoward incidents during the election.
According to United News of Bangladesh, drones, body-worn cameras, and K-9 units have been deployed to enhance security, with increased intelligence surveillance and patrols. BGB personnel have been stationed across 22 unions and one municipality under three upazilas since Sunday. The force is on high alert to prevent unrest and violence, ensuring that voters can cast their votes without fear.
The BGB is collaborating with local administration and other law enforcement agencies to maintain a level playing field for all candidates, allowing them to campaign without hindrance. Surveillance and patrols along the border have been intensified to prevent criminal activities, including smuggling, illegal border crossings, and potential acts of sabotage. Colonel Suruj Mia has also sought cooperation from local residents, political parties, candidates, the administration, and the media to ensure a peaceful election.
In the meantime, the district administration has imposed restrictions on the presence of outsiders in the constituency. Individuals who are neither residents nor registered voters of the constituency are prohibited from remaining in the area from 800 am on October 27 until 400 pm on October 30, unless exempted under the order. The Thakurgaon-1 seat became vacant following the election of Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as president. Five candidates are contesting the by-election Mirza Faisal Amin of the BNP, Delwar Hossain representing Jamaat-e-Islami and like-minded parties, Md Khademul Islam of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Md Abdul Alim Nizami of Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan, and Hussain Muhammad Omar Faruk of Bangladesh Congress.
Source United News of Bangladesh