122 polling stations risky, 63 highly risky in Khagrachari

Ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary elections, worrying information has emerged about the security of most polling stations in the hill district of Khagrachari. The District Police Special Branch (DSB) has identified 122 out of 203 polling stations in Khagrachari as risky and 63 as highly risky.

Khagrachari has only one parliamentary constituency. As the polling day approaches, discussions and concerns about the security of the polling stations in that constituency are increasing.

The latest observation by the DSB has shown that more than 90 percent of the total polling stations in the district are at risk.

A large part of the risky centers are located in remote hilly areas. Poor communication system, transportation complications, local political polarization and past election experience have all raised concerns among voters and candidates about these centers.

BNP candidate from Khagrachari Wadud Bhuiyan said that the army needs to be given a more effective role to ensure election security in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

He said that if the army is given magisterial powers inside and outside the centers, it will be possible to prevent criminal activities or attempts to seize votes by armed groups.

The same opinion was shared by 11-party alliance candidate Eyakub Ali Chowdhury. He said that if the army is given administrative powers in risky centers, ordinary voters will be able to vote with enthusiasm and security.

Meanwhile, the police said that additional police deployment will be made in risky and very risky centers, as well as intelligence surveillance will be strengthened. Khagrachhari Additional Superintendent of Police Shahadat Hossain said that special security plans are being made for the very risky centers and necessary measures will be taken as per the instructions of the Home Ministry.

Police sources said that most of the polling centers have been identified as risky considering their remote geographical location, poor communication system, experience of previous elections and the current law and order and socio-political situation.