Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) has formally requested the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to implement comprehensive security arrangements for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Election Commissioners (ECs), and other key officials in preparation for the upcoming 13th national election. This request aims to ensure the safety of these officials during the electoral process.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the request was made through a letter dispatched on Saturday, which was signed by Mohammad Monir Hossain, Deputy Secretary (Election Management-2 Branch) of the Election Commission Secretariat. The letter highlighted the announcement of the election schedule on December 11 and emphasized the necessity of special security measures during this period.
The EC has specifically asked for an additional police escort, including a vehicle, for the CEC, complementing the existing security detail. It also seeks continuous police protection, complete with escort vehicles, for the four Election Commissioners and the Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat. This protection is intended to cover their residences, office commutes, and workplaces.
Moreover, in a separate communication, the EC notified the IGP about the appointment of three officials as Returning Officers for the election. The officials designated for these roles include the Regional Election Officer, Dhaka (for Dhaka-13 and Dhaka-15 constituencies), the Regional Election Officer, Chattogram (for Chattogram-11 constituency), and the Regional Election Officer, Khulna (for Khulna-3 constituency).
The Commission has determined that gunmen should be assigned to offer continuous security for these Returning Officers and has requested the police to facilitate these arrangements.
Furthermore, the EC has drawn attention to recent incidents involving arson at the District Election Office in Lakshmipur and the Upazila Election Office in Mathbaria, Pirojpur, which occurred following the election schedule announcement. The letter emphasized the importance of safeguarding election-related documents, materials, and equipment housed in regional, district, and upazila-level election offices nationwide. In light of these concerns, the EC has urged the deployment of sufficient police personnel to secure these facilities and protect election officials and employees.