25,500 body-on cameras to monitor law and order during polls: Press Secretary

The government will deploy 25,500 body-on cameras to monitor law and order during the upcoming parliamentary election and simultaneous referendum, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Wednesday (January 21).

Speaking at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy, he said holding both the election and referendum on the same day could make the vote counting process longer than usual, but assured that the government has taken maximum preparations to ensure a fair and transparent process.

To ensure uninterrupted data flow, four mobile phone operators have been directed to provide enhanced internet services during the polls. Footage from the body cameras will be linked to a security app to enable quick response to incidents in the field.

Shafiqul Alam added that the Chief Adviser has issued instructions to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply on polling day and to recover any looted arms swiftly. Security personnel will operate under the supervision of returning officers, including 100,000 army personnel, 5,000 navy, 3,500 air force members, and other forces. 500 drones will also be deployed for monitoring.

Despite concerns in Pabna-1 and Pabna-2, he assured that voting will take place in all 300 constituencies. A total of 1,842 candidates are contesting this election. The process will be overseen by 69 returning officers, 657 judicial magistrates, and 1,047 executive magistrates. District commissioners will chair district law and order committees, while upazila executives will lead upazila committees.

He also said a new “Election Security” app will coordinate field operations, allowing rapid decision-making and effective law enforcement throughout the country.