Around one lakh troops to be deployed in polls: EC Secretary

Between 90,000 and 100,000 army personnel will be deployed during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed has confirmed.

He disclosed the information on Monday, October 20, following a meeting at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, where discussions were held with representatives from various law enforcement agencies on ensuring a free, participatory and fair election.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the EC secretary said, “There is certainly an environment conducive to holding the election. Around 90,000 to 100,000 army personnel and 150,000 police officers will be on duty, alongside 550,000 members of Ansar.”

When asked whether the recent series of arson incidents could affect the election environment, he said the issue was not discussed during the meeting.

On the recovery of looted weapons, he added, “About 85 percent of the stolen arms have been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to locate the rest.”