Air Force drones to monitor election field from sky

The much-anticipated referendum and the 13th National Parliamentary Election are set to be held tomorrow, Thursday, February 12. To ensure foolproof security and monitor the situation at polling centres, the Bangladesh Air Force is deploying state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for the first time.

Officials at the Central Monitoring Cell established at the Election Building in the capital confirmed this information on Wednesday, February 11.

The Election Commission said the law and order situation across the country and the ground situation of the election field will be directly monitored from the sky on election day. To this end, multiple UAVs equipped with ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) capabilities of the Air Force will remain airborne round the clock.

Instructions have been given to display the live feed obtained through these drones simultaneously at the Central Monitoring Cell and the Office of the Chief Adviser. This will enable law enforcement agencies to be instructed to take measures in the quickest possible time should any unrest occur on the ground.

A special security ring has been created under the direct supervision of the Air Force Chief to perform duties during the election period. As part of the security plan, a total of 3,730 Air Force personnel have been deployed across the country, and helicopters and transport aircraft have been kept ready for swift movement and emergency needs. In addition, the UAVs, known as the Air Force's strategic assets used for defending airspace, are now playing an active role in securing the election field.

Officials concerned said the use of this technology will make it easier to monitor polling centres in remote areas. Information obtained from UAVs will be analysed and real-time instructions will be given to security forces on the ground, which will play an effective role in tackling any untoward situation.

The Bangladesh Air Force has stated that it has taken full preparation to complete the voting process peacefully.