Director General (DG) of Border Guard Bangladesh, Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, has visited Cox’s Bazar to monitor the overall law and order and security situation ahead of election.
During the visit, he chaired a coordination meeting on Monday night at Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf, involving the local civil administration, law enforcement agencies, and security organisations.
The meeting focused on ensuring a free, fair, neutral, and peaceful election through effective security management and the mutual coordination of duties among various forces.
High-ranking officials in attendance included Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md Abdul Mannan, Superintendent of Police ANM Sajedur Rahman, and senior representatives from the Bangladesh Army, Navy, RAB, Ansar & VDP, Bangladesh Coast Guard, DGFI, and NSI, alongside BGB officers from the Cox’s Bazar region.
Addressing the meeting, DG Ashrafuzzaman stated that the BGB is fully prepared to perform its duties as a professional, disciplined, and politically neutral force.
He emphasised that the force would work in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe and peaceful election.
According to the DG, a comprehensive security plan has been developed to deploy over 37,000 BGB members across the country, while simultaneously maintaining the security of national border.
The BGB will operate independently in 61 border upazilas and will be deployed as mobile and static forces across all 300 parliamentary constituencies, depending on risk assessments.
To prepare for these duties, BGB personnel have undergone specialised training, including STX exercises, briefings on legal responsibilities, and codes of conduct. Security measures will extend to polling centres, ballots, election officials, and voters.
The DG highlighted that Quick Response Forces (QRF), Rapid Action Teams (RAT), specialised K-9 dog squads, drones, and body-on cameras will be utilised, with BGB helicopters on standby for emergencies.
Ashrafuzzaman also noted that Cox’s Bazar is a vital tourist hub with a 271-kilometre border with Myanmar. Consequently, the BGB is maintaining extra vigilance to prevent smuggling, illegal entry, and the trafficking of drugs and arms, while specifically considering potential risks related to the Rohingya presence.
The DG expressed confidence that through the collective efforts of the government, Election Commission, law enforcement, and the public, the election will be peaceful and acceptable. He reaffirmed that the BGB would discharge its duties with honesty, dedication, and professionalism in accordance with the constitution and the law.
