A total of 1,051 executive magistrates are taking to the field on Sunday across the country in preparation for the 13th parliamentary election and referendum. They will remain on duty in the election field until 14 February.
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud shared the information with the media on Saturday. He stated, “The army has been in the field before. More will join on Sunday. Officially, they will be there for seven days before and after the vote. We have had meetings with law enforcement agencies.”
He added, “They have all said that the situation on the ground, the country’s law and order situation, is completely good and conducive to the election. All ballot boxes have been sent to the districts. Returning Officers (ROs).are receiving them. Now everyone is busy with election preparations.”
According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, members of the Police, BGB, Ansar-VDP, and the Coast Guard will be deployed to maintain peace and order. Members of the Armed Forces will be stationed under “In Aid to Civil Power” to assist the local administration.
A total of over 9,70,000 law enforcement personnel will be engaged in election duties. The deployment breakdown includes: 5,76,483 Ansar-VDP members, 1,87,603 Police members, 1,03,000 Army members, 45,820 Chowkidar-Dafadar members, 37,453 BGB members, 9,349 RAB members, 5,000 Navy members, 3,585 Coast Guard members, 3,730 Air Force members.
The circular further said the Armed Forces, BGB, Coast Guard, RAB, Police, Armed Police Battalion (APBn), and Ansar Battalion will operate as mobile and striking forces. While the BGB, RAB, APBn, and Ansar Battalion will work at the district, upazila, and thana levels, the Coast Guard will be deployed in coastal areas.
All forces are required to report to ROs.
