Armed forces deployed across Bangladesh ahead of polls

Armed forces were deployed across the country on Wednesday morning, ahead of the 12th national parliamentary election on January 7.

According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate media release on Tuesday, armed forces are to remain deployed from Wednesday to January 10 to ensure peace and order before, during and after election day.

The armed forces are being deployed to assist the local civil administration in holding a free, fair and peaceful election as per Section 126 of the constitution's "In Aid to the Civil Power.”

A troop of the army was patrolling Dhaka’s Banani area on Wednesday morning.

Upon request from the returning officers and through coordination with stakeholders, the area-based deployment has been completed, said the ISPR.

Members of the Bangladesh Army are assigned to 62 districts, while Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) alone will perform duty in 45 upazilas.

Moreover, the army in coordination with the BGB and Coast Guard will perform duty in 47 bordering upazilas and four coastal upazilas, respectively.

Members of the Bangladesh Navy will remain deployed in 19 coastal upazilas, including in Bhola and Barguna.

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) will provide helicopter assistance to polling stations in hilly, remote areas.

Moreover, a sufficient number of BAF helicopters are ready to provide electoral assistance.

A cell in coordination with several ministries, divisions and representatives from law enforcement has been set up at the Armed Forces Division, which will remain effective until January 10.

The armed forces have taken all-out preparations to provide necessary assistance to ensure peace and order during the 12th national parliamentary election.

Source: UNB