No immediate militant threat ahead of polls, but risks not ruled out: IGP

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has said authorities are not anticipating an immediate militant threat ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election, but warned that such risks cannot be entirely ruled out.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Police Headquarters Media Centre on Tuesday morning (February 10), the police chief said there is currently no specific threat surrounding the election, though security agencies remain on high alert.

“I am not feeling a strong sense of imminent militant threat at this moment. However, we are not dismissing the possibility either. Necessary preventive measures have been taken,” Baharul Alam said, referring to recent developments, including the Keraniganj incident.

The IGP said 317 incidents of election-related violence have been recorded since the election schedule was announced, resulting in five deaths. He added that 27,950 licensed firearms have so far been deposited as part of security preparations.

Baharul Alam said comprehensive security arrangements are in place and warned that no attempt to disrupt the election would be tolerated. Strike forces will remain on standby to respond to any emergency situation, he added.

According to the police chief, a total of 187,603 police personnel will be deployed during the election. They will be supported by around 600,000 members of the Ansar force, alongside the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

Outlining a three-tier security plan, the IGP said technology is being extensively used to ensure safety. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed at about 90 percent of polling centres, while body-worn cameras will be used at high-risk locations. District police chiefs will also deploy drones based on local risk assessments.

Addressing concerns over police neutrality, Baharul Alam said officers who served in the previous election have been excluded from election duties this time. He added that the police are acting impartially and are determined to restore public confidence.

“The police are fully capable of dealing with any major violence,” he said.