Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said that the superintendents of police (SPs) and officers-in-charge (OCs) of different police stations will be transferred through a lottery system a few days before the election schedule is announced.
The home adviser disclosed details regarding the transfer while talking to reporters at a press briefing at the ministry office on Wednesday following a high-level meeting to finalise action plans for law enforcement agencies ahead of the upcoming elections.
He said the step has been planned in line with the chief adviser’s guidance to ensure neutrality, transparency, and impartiality in the election process.
The adviser said that the home ministry has begun its preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliament election, outlining a comprehensive plan involving security, law enforcement, and technology deployment to ensure reliable election process.
He said all SPs and OCs will be transferred through a lottery process a few days before the election schedule is announced in order to prevent any potential bias in their appointment. After the schedule is declared, the responsibility of these transfers will be handed over to the Election Commission (EC), who, if they wish to make further changes, can do so.
In a bid to increase transparency, each of the 47,000 polling stations will be equipped with body-worn cameras, with senior police officers required to don them during polling, the adviser revealed. This will ensure that all activities at polling stations are recorded and monitored, he added.
Around 800,000 law enforcement personnel, including police (141,000), army (60,000), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Ansar forces, will be deployed to maintain law and order during the election.
Comprehensive training programmes are being arranged for all law enforcement personnel assigned to election duties. This includes specialised training for polling officers and presiding officers, with further drills to prepare them for election day tasks.
The adviser also mentioned that, to ensure additional security and monitor potential misconduct, CCTV cameras will be installed in all polling stations. The EC has emphasised that these measures are crucial to avoid irregularities.
Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Home Affairs Md Khoda Baksh Chowdhury, Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Nasimul Ghani, and officials of law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies were present at the meeting.
Meanwhile, the EC informed that on July 9, various decisions were made in a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus in Jamuna regarding election preparation and reforms.
Election materials will be safely delivered to the districts and upazilas in advance. Separate booths will be established for young voters aged 18-33, as well as for female voters, ensuring a more inclusive and accessible voting process.
Special attention is being given to judicial independence during the election. Judicial magistrates will be appointed to oversee the process and ensure that any violations are swiftly addressed.
Mobile court teams will be deployed across districts and constituencies before and after the election day to tackle any election-related violence or code violations.
As per the demand of the returning officer, mobile or striking forces will be led by executive magistrates. The necessary number of law enforcement forces will be deployed with these magistrates.
Besides, returning officers will collaborate with district or divisional security committees to prepare detailed security plans for their areas. Additionally, coordination will take place between police, army, and other security forces to ensure swift action in case of disturbances.
To prevent election-related violence, a ban will be imposed on carrying or displaying valid weapons for 15 days after the election schedule is announced. Law enforcement agencies will also conduct targeted operations to recover illegal weapons and explosives.