Around 51 percent of polling centres in 21 constituencies of Barishal division have been categorised as important or very important ahead of the 13th parliamentary election.
The Barishal Regional Election Office said that 621 voting centres are considered very important and 827 are listed as important out of 2,838 proposed polling sites.
Police officials clarified that these areas are designated primarily due to geographical challenges and the remoteness of certain areas rather than incidents of political violence.
Barishal Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam explained that the classification follows a three-tier system based on centre location, proximity to river erosion or char areas, and high population density.
Centres located near the residences of candidates are also treated as important to ensure a fair environment, and security personnel have been increased to manage these locations effectively.
Logistical hurdles remain a major concern for election officials, as 13 upazilas in the division, including Mehendiganj, Hizla, and Muladi, have been officially designated as remote.
According to polling staff, there are challenges in reaching these areas, particularly during inclement weather or in regions affected by severe river erosion.
Female polling officers highlighted the struggle of reaching distant centres and the lack of suitable accommodation for overnight stays.
Infrastructure concerns were noted at Diapara Government Primary School in Barishal city’s Ward 27, where the main building of the institution, established in 1943, is currently in a hazardous condition.
Headmaster Afsana Munni said that three rooms have already been abandoned. She expressed anxiety over conducting the vote if weather conditions deteriorate, noting the absence of generators and CCTV cameras at the site.
Technical and utility shortages are also being addressed by the authorities.
Data from the regional election office show that 2,599 out of 2,838 centres are currently without CCTV, with only 239 centres equipped so far.
Additionally, 34 centres lack electricity connections, 31 of which are situated in Bhola.
Nilufar Yasmin, deputy director of the Barishal Primary Education Department, confirmed that plans are underway to install CCTV as permanent assets in all primary schools used as centres.
Md Jahangir Hossain, deputy director of the Barishal Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Department, said efforts are being made to provide alternative power sources where needed.
Barishal Regional Election Officer Md Faridul Islam said that the Election Commission is coordinating with various agencies to finalise lists and is working to ensure all centres are brought under electricity and CCTV coverage ahead of the 13th national election.
Education authorities have also begun the process of updating and preparing school buildings for the election.
