EC plans 3-tier law enforcement deployment for national polls
Alongside this, mobile units will conduct regular surveillance on a rotational basis
The Election Commission (EC) has finalised a comprehensive three-tier security plan for law enforcement agencies ahead of the upcoming national elections, focusing on static deployment, mobile surveillance and a central reserve force.
Following a high-level preparatory meeting with all law enforcement agencies at the Election Building in Agargaon today (27 November), Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed briefed the media on the overall preparations.
The home ministry secretary was also present at the meeting.
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Akhtar Ahmed said the security strategy will consist of permanent or static deployment of personnel at polling centres, supported by both permanent and temporary check posts, including mobile check posts, set up at various strategic locations.
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Alongside this, mobile units will conduct regular surveillance on a rotational basis.
"Each force will determine how many centres a mobile team will cover, depending on geography, road connectivity and other relevant considerations. A central reserve force will remain on standby as the main rapid-response unit, while the traditional special Striking Force will also be kept ready for swift intervention," said the EC secretary.
He added that the cyber security system used during NTMC operations and religious festivals will likewise be activated.
The EC secretary noted that the home ministry will have primary responsibility for supervising election-related law and order, issuing the necessary policies and guidelines as in previous elections.
The Election Commission will oversee overall coordination and monitoring, and will form a monitoring cell for this purpose, he said, adding that the size of the cell will be decided later based on suggestions from the relevant agencies.
Responding to a question about the armed forces' magistracy power, currently in effect, Akhtar Ahmed said the armed forces are now under the definition of law enforcement agencies. "Their (armed forces' magistracy power will remain valid until February 2026," he said.
To counter misinformation, a cyber security cell will be established to monitor various media platforms. This cell will use the UNDP platform and work in coordination with the Information Ministry, CID and other agencies capable of verifying information.
The secretary also announced enhanced security measures for postal ballots arriving from abroad.
"Double-layer security will be maintained at airports and at the Tejgaon postal sorting center, with strict protection ensured throughout every stage—from sorting, to delivery to returning officers, to storage and counting," he said.
The Election Commission (EC) has announced that national elections will be held in the first half of February, before Ramadan. This year, around 13.5 crore voters are expected to cast their ballots across 300 constituencies, with approximately 43,000 polling stations and 200,000 polling booths.
In an initial planning meeting, the EC proposed deploying law enforcement personnel for eight days before and after the elections, with 13 to 18 officers assigned to each polling station.
Over 700,000 law enforcement personnel will be responsible for election security. This includes roughly 550,000 Ansar-VDP members stationed at polling locations, more than 90,000 members of the armed forces, as well as personnel from the police, RAB, BGB, and Coast Guard.
EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said authorities have been instructed to intensify efforts to maintain law and order, including recovering illegal weapons, collecting licensed arms, increasing intelligence surveillance, and taking action against suspected terrorists. He emphasized that heightened vigilance will be maintained over individuals identified as security risks, who will be brought under the law.
At the field level, Electoral Inquiry Committees, Judicial Magistrates, and Executive Magistrates will oversee operations. In addition, the army retains magisterial powers until 28 February.
To ensure oversight, the EC will establish a central monitoring cell and a cyber security cell to monitor social media. Secretary Akhtar Ahmed stressed that there will be no concessions if violations of the electoral code of conduct occur.
