EC orders police deployment at returning officers’ offices nationwide

The Election Commission (EC) has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure heightened security at the offices of returning officers and assistant returning officers nationwide ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections.

According to EC sources, a formal letter was sent to the senior secretary of the Home Ministry on Thursday (December 18), requesting the deployment of adequate police personnel at these offices to safeguard election-related operations.

The EC noted that the election schedule was announced on December 11, and appointments of returning and assistant returning officers have already been finalised to facilitate a free and orderly electoral process.

The commission emphasised that these offices house critical election documents, sensitive materials, and equipment, making enhanced security essential amid the election-period law and order situation. Protecting both official records and election personnel, the EC said, is a priority.

In light of these concerns, the commission urged the Home Ministry to take immediate steps to strengthen security arrangements at all returning officers’ offices across the country.