1,400 Polling Stations Identified as "Risky" Across 13 Dhaka Constituencies
However, Dhaka Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer Sharof Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury has assured the public that these centers pose no security threat due to the enhanced safety measures already in place. He shared this information during a press conference on electoral preparations held on Wednesday afternoon, February 11.
The Returning Officer stated that risky centers will have a higher concentration of law enforcement personnel compared to general stations. Transparency and security will be reinforced through the maximum use of modern technology:
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CCTV Surveillance: Approximately 90% of polling stations in Dhaka will be under direct CCTV monitoring.
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Body-Worn Cameras: For the first time, Ansar members on duty will be equipped with "body-worn cameras," providing real-time footage to central monitors.
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Mobile Courts: To deter electoral offenses, 80 Executive Magistrates and two Judicial Magistrates per constituency will operate mobile courts on election day.
"By Wednesday evening, all electoral equipment, including ballot boxes and ballot papers, will reach the respective Presiding Officers," said Sharof Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury. He emphasized that the administration is operating without any political or administrative pressure. He also noted that 52 complaints regarding breaches of the electoral code of conduct have been resolved according to the law.
Operations to recover illegal weapons are ongoing, although it was reported that approximately 20,000 licensed firearms have yet to be deposited. To manage any untoward incidents, the Army will be deployed as a "striking force" alongside Police, RAB, and BGB units. The Returning Officer urged voters to come to the centers without fear, reiterating that the administration is fully prepared to deliver a free, fair, and acceptable election.
