Dhaka: Nearly 958,000 law enforcement personnel have been deployed across the country to ensure a free, fair, and impartial national election and referendum on Thursday, as stated by Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah. The deployment aims to enhance the overall security and integrity of the electoral process.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sanaullah addressed a press briefing on election preparations at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital’s Agargaon. For the first time, UAVs, drones, and body-worn cameras are being utilized for election security. Voting will occur in 299 constituencies, with Sherpur-3 postponed due to a candidate’s death.
A total of 2,098 executive magistrates and 657 judicial magistrates have been appointed to oversee the election process. Sanaullah highlighted that 69 returning officers and 598 assistant returning officers will conduct the election, supported by 42,779 presiding officers, 247,482 assistant presiding officers, and 494,964 polling officers, amounting to 785,225 officials on election duty.
Regarding the announcement of results, the commissioner explained that initial results would be released from polling centers, followed by an official process involving the assistant returning officer and the Election Commission. Unofficial results will be noted in ‘Form 18’ in the presence of candidates or their agents, with the final gazette published based on this record.
Sanaullah emphasized the role of technology in maintaining law enforcement, with around 25,000 body-worn cameras, some IP-based for live feeds, and extensive CCTV coverage in over 90% of centers. Voting is scheduled from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, with allowances for voters present by the closing time.
Voting will take place in 42,659 centers. The commissioner noted that results for both the parliamentary election and referendum would be announced simultaneously, with white ballots for the parliamentary election and pink for the referendum. This approach ensures agents remain until the end and helps prevent unrest post-announcement.
Sanaullah expressed satisfaction with the current law and order situation and encouraged parties, candidates, and voters to participate in a friendly and festive voting environment.