Key Highlights:
- The deployment of army troops till January 10
- President to make the final decision
- Police start special drives across country, to continue till 31 Dec
The history of arson and vandalism by BNP-Jamaat is not a recent occurrence. They have, during past elections, attempted to derail the democratic process by similar acts of violence. The government, drawing from prior experience and foreseeing potential actions, enacted robust and stringent security protocols to mitigate the escalation of violence.
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In this context, the Bangladesh Army is likely to be deployed across the country on 29 December to tighten security before, during, and after the 12th parliamentary elections.
The 12th national election is scheduled to be held on January 7.
Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division, disclosed the information to the media after a meeting with the Election Commission (EC) on Monday (11th December).
“It has been discussed that the army will be deployed for 13 days from December 29 to January 10, centring the election. The Election Commission will request that the president permit this. The president will then make the final decision,”
Waker-Uz-Zaman said.
More than 35,000 army personnel were deployed during the 11th parliamentary election in 2018 to aid civil administration.
EC Secretary Md Jahangir Alam mentioned that the EC had engaged in conversations with the PSO of the Armed Forces, the Public Security Department, and senior secretaries from the Defence Ministry. There was a discussion about how the armed forces can help in the upcoming election, which is scheduled to be held on January 7, he said.
Army’s Preparedness and Deployment Plans
Lt Gen Wakar-uz-Zaman clarified that the specifics regarding the number of deployed personnel haven’t been explicitly outlined yet. The army’s deployment will be guided by the directives and necessities set forth by the Election Commission to ensure a secure and orderly electoral process.
Simultaneously, the police have embarked on a three-week special drive across the country amid ongoing political turbulence and a crackdown on opposition activities. The drive encompasses various objectives ranging from preserving law and order to recovering illegal substances and apprehending suspects.
According to reports from the Deputy Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the initial three days of the operation in Dhaka led to the apprehension of numerous individuals.
Concerning the number of deployed personnel, Lt Gen Wakar-uz-Zaman said, “There has not been exact discussion about it. The deployment will align with the Election Commission’s directives and necessities.”
Meanwhile, police are actively conducting a three-week-long special operation nationwide amid ongoing political violence and crackdown against the opposition.
Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman, principal staff of the army, and Election Commission Secretary Jahangir Alam briefed media after a meeting on army deployment during the upcoming election
Ongoing Police Drives
Concurrently, the police have launched an extensive three-week-long special drive nationwide amidst prevailing political violence. This initiative, as stated by police authorities, targets the maintenance of law and order, retrieval of illegal drugs and firearms, and the apprehension of drug traffickers and wanted individuals.
A directive issued from the police headquarters on December 5 mandated all metropolitan commissioners and district superintendents to conduct similar special drives from December 9 to 31 across the country.The police have cited information indicating potential subversive activities aiming to disrupt the electoral process, thus prompting these intensified security measures.
The scope of these special drives encompasses the apprehension of enlisted drug dealers and individuals with warrants, alongside the recovery of illegal firearms, drugs, and stolen motorbikes. Furthermore, the presence of women police officers during specific raids is mandated to ensure compliance with protocol, especially in residences where female occupants reside or in cases requiring searches or arrests involving women.
Kh Mahid Uddin, additional commissioner (crime and operations) of the DMP, emphasized the drives’ focus on individuals facing specific charges, the retrieval of illegal firearms, and combating drug-related activities.
As per the election schedule, the deadline for candidate withdrawals is December 17, with electoral symbols set to be allocated among candidates on December 18. However, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party alleges facing a widespread crackdown by law enforcement agencies, with over 23,000 arrests made in the past month and a half.
Current Security Steps
A recent statement from the BGB headquarters has highlighted the comprehensive steps taken, revealing that a substantial total of 232 BGB platoons have been strategically deployed across the entire country. This deployment underscores the government’s pledge to maintain a strong presence, fostering a sense of security among the populace.
Concurrently, RAB has intensified its efforts by deploying an impressive 432 patrol teams nationwide. This proactive measure aims to prevent any potential incidents during the blockade, showcasing the government’s dedication to upholding peace and order.
What distinguishes this operation is the meticulous focus on securing public transportation. The specialized RAB force is diligently safeguarding buses and cargo-carrying vehicles along extensive routes affected by the blockade. This not only ensures the smooth functioning of essential services but also underscores the government’s steadfast commitment to facilitating the daily lives of its citizens.
Army Deployment in Previous Elections
Reflecting on past electoral events, the 11th National Assembly elections in 2018 witnessed the deployment of 414 army platoons across 389 upazilas, along with 48 navy platoons in 18 upazilas.
Similarly, during the January 5 election in 2014, approximately 50,000 armed forces personnel were deployed nationwide from December 26 to January 9 to safeguard the parliamentary elections’ security.
A Unified Effort for Democratic Success
The thoughtful deliberation regarding the deployment of the army, alongside the Election Commission’s comprehensive strategy, signifies a concerted push to guarantee the triumph of Bangladesh’s democratic process. Through collaborative actions, inclusive approaches, and strict adherence to regulations, a conducive atmosphere for free and fair elections is actively fostered. The government’s proactive response to anticipated hurdles highlights its unwavering commitment to preserving democratic principles, painting an optimistic portrayal of the nation’s electoral environment.
As the country draws nearer to the 12th National Elections; the government’s proactive stance and strategic deployment of security forces underscore its dedication to preserving peace and stability. This comprehensive approach not only addresses the immediate challenges posed by the blockade but also showcases a commitment to safeguarding the nation and its citizens against potential threats.
