The armed forces will be deployed in the upcoming national elections as they have been in the past, in aid to civil power, confirmed Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Md Akhtar Hossain.
Speaking to reporters at the Election Commission building at Agargaon on Monday, the senior official emphasised that the deployment will follow existing protocols and will support the civil administration in maintaining law and order during the election period.
“Everyone wants a free, fair, and participatory election,” said EC Secretary Akhter Hossain. “There is no concern within the Commission about the law and order situation. The army will be deployed in the same manner as before, in aid to civil power, and will also be positioned as per proposals received under the Representation of the People Order (RPO).”
Akhter Hossain revealed that between 90,000 and 100,000 armed forces personnel will be deployed across the country. In addition, approximately 150,000 police personnel and 600,000 Ansar members will be on duty to maintain law and order throughout the electoral period.
The EC secretary stressed that the large-scale deployment is intended to create a safe and secure environment for both voters and candidates.
Secretary Akhtar Hossain also announced a ban on the use of drones for election campaigning. However, drones may be used by law enforcement agencies if necessary for surveillance and maintaining security.
In a shift from previous elections, the EC is now reviewing a proposal to extend the deployment of security forces from five to eight days.
“The proposal includes deployment for three days before the vote, on election day, and for four days after,” Hossain said. “We will assess this plan to determine its feasibility.”
