Helicopters to deliver voting equipment to remote centres in Rangamati

The Election Commission will utilize helicopters to transport voting equipment and personnel to 18 remote centres across different upazilas in Rangamati due to the challenging accessibility of these locations.

In the Rangamati district's constituency number 299, out of 213 polling centres, 18 are extremely remote, where travel without a helicopter is nearly impossible. It takes about two days to reach these areas from Rangamati city. For these remote polling centres in the Rangamati, helicopters are the only means to transport election materials, officials, and necessary personnel.

According to the Election Commission, like in previous times, this year too, voting equipment and personnel for the 18 remote centres in various upazila of Rangamati will be sent by helicopter. Since these centres are inaccessible, the equipment and personnel will be sent the day before the election.

Rangamati District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Mosaraf Hossain Khan said:  “One day before the election, election officers and equipment will be delivered to 18 helicopter-sorted centres.”

He said: “Considering the remoteness, election ballots and equipment will be sent in advance. He mentioned that out of 213 polling centres in the area, 129 are crucial, and the remaining 84 are regular centres.”

He assured that all necessary preparations have been made to conduct the election in a safe and proper environment, as per the returning officer.

In Rangamati district, there is only one constituency, number 299. Combining Rangamati's 10 upazilas, two municipalities, and 50 unions, there are 474,354 voters.

Rangamati election sources said there are 18 remote (helicopter-sorted) centres in Rangamati. Among these centers, there are six in Baghaichhari upazila, two in Barkal upazila, seven in Jurachhari upazila, and three in Bilachhari upazila. The total number of voters in these 18 centres is 25,607.

In Baghaichhari upazila, among the six polling centres, Shijuk Dajur Primary Secondary School in Baghaichhari union has 1,413 voters, New Longkar Government Primary School in Sajek union has 2,507 voters, Bhaibonchhara Government Primary School has 2,142 voters, Bhuichhui Government Primary School has 1,951 voters, Betling Government Primary School has 583 voters, and Shialdai Lui Government Primary School has 1,584 voters.

In Barkal upazila, bordering India, CM Para Government Primary School in Aima Chhara union has 2,348 voters, Shuknachhari Government Primary School in Bara Harina union has 1,390 voters, Shailapara Government Primary School in Jurachari union has 1,199 voters, Shilchari Government Primary School in Moidong union has 2,408 voters, Fakirachhari Government Primary School in Moidong union has 1,341 voters, Forest Villager Government Primary School in Dumdumya union has 862 voters, Bhuyatalichhara Government Primary School in Dumdumya union has 1,241 voters, Barkalak Government Primary School in Dumdumya union has 1,238 voters, and Bogakhali Government Primary School has 1,231 voters

In Bilachhari upazila, Raimgachhara Non-Government Primary School in Baratholi union has 735 voters, Baratholi Non-Government Primary School in Baratholi union has 723 voters, and Prang Jang Para Government Primary School has 711 voters.

Source: UNB