The government has decided to carry out administrative reshuffles where necessary and initiate large-scale police training in preparation for the upcoming 13th national elections.
The decisions were made during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at state guesthouse Jamuna on Monday.
The two-hour meeting focused on the country’s overall law and order situation and the readiness of security forces ahead of the polls.
Speaking at a press briefing later at the Foreign Service Academy, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam confirmed that 150,000 police personnel will undergo a three-month training programme on election duties starting in September and continuing through November.
In addition, the army will also play a key role during the election period. According to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, 60,000 army personnel will be deployed as a striking force to support law enforcement during the elections.
“There will be reshuffles in the administration before the elections,” Majumder added. “However, it does not mean widespread changes—reshuffles will be made where necessary.”
Shafiqul Alam said the meeting emphasised improved coordination between the army, police, and civil administration, both at the national and grassroots levels.
To address the spread of misinformation in the lead-up to the polls, the National Information Centre will work to counter fake news and disinformation rapidly. “This has been discussed in detail,” said Shafiqul.
In an effort to improve transparency and public awareness, the police are also establishing a central media centre to provide regular updates to journalists. Daily press briefings are expected to keep the public informed about security developments across the country.
“Professor Yunus stressed that while police are working effectively in many areas, their efforts often go unnoticed due to the absence of a centralized communication system. The media centre will help bridge that gap,” Alam said.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam presented a report on police preparations during the meeting. He confirmed the plan to train 150,000 officers in phases over three months to ensure they are ready for the responsibilities of election duty.
Instructions were also given to enhance security measures in vulnerable or high-risk polling centres, with additional forces likely to be deployed in such areas to prevent any unrest or violence.
The meeting was attended by senior government and security officials, including Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser (Home) Khoda Baksh Chowdhury, Principal Secretary M Siraj Uddin Mia, Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, Home Secretary Nasimul Ghani, PSO of the Armed Forces Division Lt Gen Kamrul Hassan.