Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) will exercise maximum force should the situation at any polling centre spiral out of control during the upcoming national election.
Lieutenant Colonel Md Hafizur Rahman, the Commanding Officer of RAB-7 (Patenga), affirmed that all members of the force are prepared to ensure the successful holding of a fair election.
He explained that if a situation inside a centre exceeds the control of the Presiding Officer, and is subsequently reported to the Returning Officer, maximum force will be deployed to restore order.
These remarks were made during a press conference held at 11am on Wednesday at the Enayet Bazar Mohila College ground in Chattogram.
The briefing focused on the reinforcement of security and patrol activities to maintain law and order for the 13th parliament election and referendum.
Comprehensive deployment and surveillance
To secure the 20 constituencies in Chattogram, more than 50 RAB patrol teams will be on duty, complemented by intelligence surveillance in plain clothes.
Addressing concerns regarding the digital landscape, Lt Col Rahman urged the public not to be swayed by misleading posts on social media. He further noted that no one would be permitted to use illegal weapons on election day.
Highlighting recent successes, he shared that since the July movement, RAB-7 has recovered over 106 firearms, including more than 50 weapons looted from police stations. Additionally, the force has detained over 350 suspects in murder cases and more than 2,000 high- and mid-level offenders.
Specialised security for remote areas
Ensuring a safe environment within the polling centres, the commanding officer stated that at least two police officers at each location will be equipped with body-worn cameras. Ansar members and Presiding Officers will also be present to fulfill their duties.
While the presence of people outside the centres is expected to be normal, law enforcement will be stationed throughout the area to swiftly neutralise any attempts at coercion or anarchy.
Regarding the coastal and island regions, the Coast Guard and Navy will deploy their maximum force, with the number of personnel being one and a half times higher than in mainland areas. Remote and hilly terrains have similarly been placed under strict surveillance.
Coordination and counter-terrorism measures
Multiple coordination meetings have already been conducted between Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, and law enforcement agencies to distribute responsibilities according to a set plan.
Addressing previous anxieties following recent killings and shootings in Raozan, the RAB official assured that the situation is now under control and will remain stable on election day.
When questioned about the sighted presence of a terrorist named Raihan with a candidate, he stated that the public should immediately inform law enforcement upon seeing him.
He emphasised that RAB remains on maximum alert to apprehend any terrorists.
Directives for voters
The RAB-7 commander advised voters not to be influenced by others when casting their ballots.
Should anyone face obstruction or intimidation, he urged them to avoid altercations, move to a safe location, and inform law enforcement, noting that duty-bound members would arrive within minutes.
Cyber teams from all law enforcement agencies are currently active to monitor propaganda from fake accounts. Furthermore, necessary forces have been deployed for the security of two centres in the Jungle Salimpur area.
RAB will maintain a special vigil on high-risk areas, and any attempts to create chaos will be strictly suppressed.
