Speaking to reporters, the CEC said, “I witnessed a very impressive exercise today. It was designed entirely in line with our electoral culture. The BGB trained while considering all possible scenarios that generally occur during elections. I am very pleased with their preparedness.”
He noted that election duties do not come regularly, and since they occur every four to five years, special training is required. “BGB’s regular duty is at the border. The police are providing election-based training at 130 centers. I have also seen the Ansar-VDP drills. They, too, are undergoing preparation. This exercise by the BGB will play a crucial role in ensuring they can perform their responsibilities properly.”
The CEC added, “Every law enforcement agency is responsibly preparing its members. We hope this training will make a significant impact on maintaining law and order during the polls. I believe that with the collective effort of all law enforcement agencies, journalists, and 130 million voters, we will achieve a fair election.”
Responding to a question about the current law and order situation, the CEC said, “I won’t say the situation has reached perfection. However, compared to August 5, 2024, conditions have improved considerably. People can sleep peacefully and move freely on the roads. It will improve further as the election approaches. We will hold another meeting with law enforcement on the 30th, where the deployment strategy will be finalized. Police can be deployed individually or in pairs, but the army cannot be deployed that way. The army works in contingents, so deployment decisions will be taken with due consideration.”
Regarding election boycotts announced by political parties, the CEC said, “Necessary actions will be taken against those who declare a boycott. Journalists, voters, and citizens must work together to prevent any undesirable situation.”
Addressing whether government advisers can participate in the election, he said, “This is a matter of government policy. The Election Commission will carry out its responsibilities according to the law.”
He also stated that risk assessments for polling stations have been completed. “Forces will be deployed in three zones red, yellow, and green based on the level of risk,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has announced that 1,210 platoons will be deployed nationwide for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. BGB members will be stationed in all upazilas except Sandwip, Hatiya, and Kutubdia. Of the 115 upazilas located along the border, BGB personnel will be deployed exclusively in 60.
BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, along with senior officers of the force and Election Commission officials, attended the mock exercise.
