Dhaka: Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today announced an extensive security plan involving the deployment of 25,000 body-worn cameras and 418 surveillance drones for the upcoming 13th national election on February 12. These measures are aimed at strengthening security and ensuring the integrity of the election process.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Home Adviser highlighted that body-worn cameras will be utilized by police at the most significant polling stations to improve real-time monitoring and accountability. Additionally, CCTV cameras are set to be installed at all 42,761 polling stations, with preparations already underway.
The announcement was made during a press briefing following the 20th meeting of the Law and Order Advisory Council Committee at the Home Ministry in Bangladesh Secretariat. The Home Adviser emphasized the unprecedented technological efforts being undertaken to guarantee a free, fair, and peaceful election process.
A total of 418 drones will be employed for aerial surveillance, with their deployment divided among various law enforcement agencies: 200 by the Army, 100 by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), 50 by Bangladesh Police, 20 by the Coast Guard, and 16 each by the Navy, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force.
In addition to these technological measures, the Election Security App-2026, developed by the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC), will facilitate coordination among law enforcement agencies, returning officers, and the Ministry of Home Affairs’ central control room. This app is designed to enable instant reporting and rapid response to any incidents related to law and order.
The Home Adviser further noted that election-related training for all law enforcement agencies is scheduled for completion by January 20, 2026, marking a first in coordinated election training efforts. To bolster security, dog squads will be deployed by various forces, and the Bangladesh Air Force will use helicopters to transport ballots, election materials, and officials to remote polling stations.
Authorities are confident that these comprehensive measures will contribute to a transparent, impartial, and peaceful election across the country.