One lakh troops to be deployed in upcoming polls: Home Adviser

The government will strengthen security for the upcoming national election by deploying around 100,000 army personnel, Home Adviser Lt. Gen. (retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said Wednesday (September 24).

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, he noted that about 30,000 troops are currently stationed, and the number will triple during the polls. Navy, air force, police, RAB, BGB, Ansar, and Coast Guard will also be mobilised.

He stressed that elections ultimately depend on public participation and political consensus, not solely on law enforcement. He added that police have recovered large caches of arms, though weapons remain prevalent in Chattogram, where further raids are planned.

On Durga Puja security, he assured the festival would be observed peacefully, calling for collective responsibility to maintain its sanctity.

Regarding banned Awami League processions, he said legal action continues against those involved, and the government is considering stricter measures to prevent easy bail for repeat offenders.