Field officials to be directed to ensure neutrality in upcoming polls: Home Adviser

Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Home Affairs Adviser, stated that discussions have been held regarding directives for field-level officials—Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs), and Officers-in-Charge (OCs)—to act impartially during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Elections.

He made these remarks to journalists on Sunday (October 12) following a meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order held at the Secretariat.

The adviser said that the meeting primarily focused on the responsibilities of the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure that the upcoming national elections are free, fair, neutral, and peaceful.

He added that any individual or group attempting to disrupt peace or the electoral process will be identified and brought under the law, with strict action taken against them. A clear action plan will be formulated in coordination with all relevant agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections. The issue of instructing field-level officials to act neutrally was discussed.

The adviser also noted that directives were discussed to ensure that law enforcement and election-related officials do not engage in any unlawful activities. To ensure security during the elections, CCTV cameras will be installed at all high-risk polling centers, along with effective monitoring systems. Additionally, a sufficient number of body-worn cameras will be provided for law enforcement and election officials.

He stated that individuals who served in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 parliamentary elections should be avoided as much as possible from being assigned duties in the upcoming election. To prevent deterioration of law and order ahead of the election, patrols and intelligence surveillance will be intensified. Training for law enforcement related to the election will be completed as soon as possible.

He mentioned that this training is already underway. To ensure airtight security during the election, approximately 150,000 police personnel will receive election training. The three-day training will be conducted in 28 batches across 130 venues nationwide (districts, metropolitan areas, and training institutes). One batch (6,500 personnel) has already completed training, and another batch (second) is currently undergoing training. The final (fourth phase) police training began on October 5, 2025, and is expected to be completed by January 15, 2026.

He said that under the title "Pre-Election Training," around 585,000 Ansar VDP members will be trained for approximately 45,000 polling centers, with 13 members per center. Among them, 135,000 will receive armed training, and 450,000 will receive unarmed training. The Ansar VDP training is expected to be completed by mid-January. Additionally, Ansar Battalion members will be deployed as striking forces during the election. For this, 3,157 newly recruited sepoys are being trained.

The Home Affairs Adviser said that 33,000 members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will be deployed in 1,100 platoons for this election. So far, 60% of the election training has been completed, and it is expected to conclude by December 31 this year. Moreover, around 80,000 armed forces personnel will be deployed during the election.

He emphasized that necessary measures will be taken to prevent any deterioration in law and order due to boundary re-demarcation ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Elections. Additional important issues were also discussed.

Jahangir Alam further stated that the fascist Awami League's flash processions have significantly decreased compared to before. The situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts is currently peaceful and stable, with law and order under control. Attempts were made by fascist elements to disrupt the peaceful celebration of the Sharadiya Durga Puja festival, with some fascist intellectuals allegedly inciting such efforts. However, due to the proactive efforts of law enforcement, these conspiracies were thwarted. With everyone's cooperation, the Durga Puja festival was celebrated in a safe, peaceful, and festive environment.

Additionally, a zero-tolerance policy has been adopted regarding drugs. Not only carriers but also drug kingpins are to be apprehended and brought under the law.