Bangladesh
Election Election: Army deployed to maintain peace
Dhaka, Jan 3: Members of the Armed Forces have been deployed across the country to assist the local civil administration in order to complete the 12th National Parliament elections in a free, fair, neutral and peaceful manner.
Members of the armed forces were deployed on Wednesday (January 3), four days ahead of the election. They will be on the ground till January 10.
In a press release, the Inter-Services Public Relations Department (ISPR) stated that the Armed Forces will assist the Election Commission and local civil administration in maintaining peace and order throughout the country from January 3 to January 10 on the occasion of the 12th National Parliament elections.
According to ISPR, a joint coordination cell comprising representatives of various ministries, departments and law enforcement agencies has been set up in the Armed Forces Department, which will remain operational till January 10.
The ISPR further informed that the forces are carrying out area wise deployment at the request and coordination of the concerned Returning Officer. Members of the force will be stationed at nodal points and other convenient locations in each district, upazila and metropolitan area.
Army is deployed in 62 districts. BGB will perform sole responsibility in 45 upazilas bordering the plain. Besides, in 47 bordering upazilas, the army will perform joint duties with the BGB and in four coastal upazilas with the Coast Guard through coordination.
Navy will perform duties in total 19 upazilas including two coastal districts (Bhola and Barguna).
The Air Force will provide necessary helicopter support to polling stations in remote hilly areas. Besides, the necessary number of helicopters of the Air Force have been kept ready to provide electoral assistance in case of emergency.
