Only a few hours are left for the 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum-2026. To ensure a free, fair, impartial and festive election at this important moment for the nation, Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Force have completed the deployment of members across the country in a well-planned, technology-based and transparent manner. The force is implementing continuous and structural reform programs to ensure an environment free from election-related irregularities, corruption and political influence; in particular, an accountable and transparent management has been established by eliminating long-standing irregularities and traditional weaknesses.

As a result of the administrative reforms adopted after the 2024 mass uprising, modernization of the training structure and practical application of technology-based management, it has recently been possible to quickly identify and prevent election-related irregularities in various areas. The undesirable practice of embezzling money by promising electoral responsibilities, especially to VDP/TDP party leaders, has been effectively put to an end through the current digital database-based and automated verification system. This time, for the first time, members have been deployed to polling stations using a completely digital database-based system. Preparation of center-based digital lists, automated verification and selection, and selection of only trained members—the entire process has been completed with strict transparency and accountability standards. No influence, recommendation, or financial transaction was allowed.

In the case of 13 members assigned to the Kotwali Police Station in Chittagong, their lack of training was initially identified through verification of training data and analysis of digital records. As a result of the data-based verification of the AVMIS software, they were immediately relieved of their duties. This incident is a real example of the effectiveness of the force’s pre-prepared supervision and technology-based verification system.

As part of the political neutrality verification process, intelligence information and administrative analysis have found initial evidence of affiliation with a particular political party regarding two party leaders assigned to ward 19 under Gulshan police station in the capital and ward 40 under Bhatara police station. In light of the predetermined policy, both have been immediately exempted from electoral duties—a clear reflection of the practical application of the force’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy.

The allegation of accepting money under the guise of electoral duties as VDP members in Fenchuganj upazila of Sylhet was quickly identified through local level monitoring and complaint-taking system. After the matter was immediately brought to light, an investigation has been initiated and the accused person is being identified and legal action is being taken. It is to be noted that all the members assigned to 36 polling stations in Fenchuganj upazila have been selected through multi-dimensional verification in advance, as a result of which the irregularity has been identified as individual-centered fraud.

The incident of fraud in the identity of an Ansar member in Baliakandi Upazila of Rajbari was also quickly revealed as a result of the digital identity verification system and the investigation confirmed that he was not a member of the force.  It is worth noting that these incidents are not a reflection of any isolated weakness; rather, they are the direct result of reforms in training policies, technology-based verification systems and strict supervision. The identification of genuine certificate holders through AVMIS software, the introduction of QR code-linked identity cards and the direct distribution of electoral allowances and ancillary benefits through STDMS software have effectively blocked the opportunity for fake identities, embezzlement or influence in the name of responsibility. Payment for meals before the start of main duty has further consolidated the professional transparency and moral integrity of the members.

Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Force firmly believes that a fair, acceptable and peaceful election can be ensured only through transparent processes, continuous reforms and the effective application of technology. This step to eliminate long-standing irregularities in election management and establish digital transparency will not only secure the immediate electoral environment; rather, it will play a structural role in rebuilding public trust in institutional accountability, good governance, and the state security structure. Through this, national democratic continuity will be strengthened and a sustainable and corruption-free standard will be established for future election management.