Police seek magisterial power during elections

Superintendents of police have sought an increase in the number of magistrates in the field during the 13th parliamentary election and have also demanded magisterial powers for the police.

They raised the demands while taking part in a day-long conference organised by the Election Commission ahead of the polls.

The superintendents of police made the proposals on Tuesday, December 23, in the morning at the Election Building auditorium in Agargaon, where deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, DIGs of all ranges, divisional commissioners and regional election officers were present.

They said police are conducting regular drives to arrest suspects and recover illegal arms but are facing acute shortages of vehicles and manpower, making reinforcement essential. Holding two elections on the same day would be a major challenge, they added.

The police officials also noted that on polling day, when sick or disabled voters come to cast their votes, police are asked to assist them, and recommended deploying Bangladesh Red Crescent Society volunteers for this purpose.

They further said there had been disparities in budget allocations for police in previous elections, stressing that the budget must be increased for the upcoming polls. Alongside increasing the number of executive magistrates, they reiterated their demand for granting magisterial powers to police officers.

District administrators, on the other hand, said police support is needed to quickly recover legal firearms still held at the field level. They also recommended the use of helicopters for travel to remote areas.

Highlighting artificial intelligence and misinformation as major challenges, they said the administration is committed to upholding the rule of law and will not act outside legal boundaries.

They added that many upazilas require new vehicles as existing ones were burnt, and called for extending the referendum campaign period and strengthening security in border districts.