Tech-driven security measures in place across the district

Chattogram DC & Returning Officer Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian said special attention is being given to several remote and hard-to-reach polling centres in the district, including Urirchar, Fatikchhari and the hilly areas of Banshkhali.

“Army units have been deployed in these areas to ensure security,” he said while speaking to journalists at his office on Tuesday (February 10).

DC said clear instructions have been issued that no law enforcement personnel or magistrates will leave a polling centre until the results are fully delivered to the office of the assistant returning officer.

He added that the duration of law enforcement deployment has been extended this year and that the responsibilities of each force and magistrate have been fixed on a centre-by-centre basis.

To strengthen coordination, Zahidul Islam said a divisional coordination cell has been formed, alongside district- and upazila-level coordination cells. “Activities at the upazila level will be monitored online from the district headquarters,” he said.

He also noted that several Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNO) have developed mobile applications to track real-time movements at polling centres, allowing instant data sharing with the district administration. “We have reorganised the security system using technology to the maximum extent,” he said.

The DC said all preparations for the election have been completed. “Ballot papers, presiding officers and polling officers are all ready. All forces are working in the same stream and at the same speed,” he added.

Describing the security arrangements, Zahidul Islam said CCTV cameras have been installed at every polling centre. “Ansar has developed a security app, police personnel are using body-worn cameras, and members of the BGB and the army are also equipped with body cameras. There is no scope for any ‘drama’ this time,” he said.

He stressed that the goal of the administration is not merely vote casting or result declaration. “Our aim is to ensure a festive environment where voters can go to polling centres without fear, cast their votes freely and return home safely,” he said.
According to the DC, the entire district has been placed under a security blanket, with the highest number of forces deployed, including the Bangladesh Army, Ansar, BGB, RAB, Coast Guard and Navy.

He said both executive and judicial magistrates are working in the field, with around 115 magistrates deployed in total. “There is no shortage in security arrangements,” he added.

Currently, more than 40,000 members of various law enforcement agencies are on duty across 1,965 polling centres in the district.

Each centre has one Ansar member assigned to every presiding officer, with a total of 13 Ansar members deployed per centre, alongside police personnel.
“If any disturbance occurs at a polling centre, striking forces will reach the spot within five minutes. Additional measures will be taken if necessary,” Zahidul Islam said.

He added that candidates’ activities are being closely monitored to ensure a level playing field so that voters can exercise their franchise freely.
On preventing rumours, the DC said a special committee comprising social media experts has been formed to counter misinformation. “Suspicious links are being verified instantly through an app to determine whether they are real or fake,” he said.

“We are committed and determined. As public servants, we are fully prepared to deliver a free, fair, credible and internationally acceptable election in a festive environment,” Zahidul Islam added.