The Election Commission (EC) has directed authorities to strengthen round-the-clock security for regional election officers and returning officers in Dhaka, Chattogram and Khulna.
Armed gunmen will be deployed to ensure the personal security of the officials.
In a letter sent to Police Headquarters on Saturday, the EC said the decision had been taken in view of the current situation and risks involved in performing election-related duties.
The letter also instructed that security be ensured not only for regional election officers and returning officers, but also for election offices, important documents, materials and equipment.
Sources at the EC Secretariat said incidents of arson had occurred at the Lakshmipur District Election Office and the Mathbaria Upazila Election Office in Pirojpur following the announcement of the election schedule.
In response, the EC has ordered the deployment of additional police forces at all field-level election offices across the country. Security arrangements are also being strengthened for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), other commissioners and senior officials of the EC Secretariat.
In addition to the existing security, the EC has decided to provide the Chief Election Commissioner with an additional vehicle and a police escort.
The relevant authorities have also been requested to provide round-the-clock police security, including vehicles, for the four commissioners and the senior secretary, covering both their residences and official movements.
In a letter addressed to Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, the EC said miscreants had set fire to certain election offices after the announcement of the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
It therefore instructed that adequate police forces be deployed nationwide to ensure the security of all field-level EC offices.
