DHAKA, Feb 08, 2026 (BSS)- The interim government has rolled out an extensive, multi-agency security plan with deployment of around one million law enforcers to ensure a peaceful, orderly and credible polling environment across the country as Bangladesh prepares for the 13th national parliament election and referendum scheduled for February 12 next.

Home Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury reaffirmed government’s zero-tolerance against any violence and sabotage, stating that all law enforcement agencies have been placed on high alert.

“We are firmly committed to keeping the law and order stable and undisrupted throughout the election period,” he said, adding that authorities would take strict action against any attempt to disrupt the election environment.

The Home Adviser noted that security forces have been empowered to enter any location, including polling centres, if necessary to prevent violence. 

Border vigilance, intelligence surveillance and monitoring on provocative social media contents are also being strengthened, he also said.

Calling on political parties and citizens to remain vigilant, the Home Adviser urged them for cooperation with the law enforcers.

“There is no inherent security risk for the public. Every citizen will be protected,” Chowdhury said, expressing optimism that the election will be held in a peaceful, festive and credible manner.

In addition, the Home Adviser said members of Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) will be deployed for peaceful election. 
 
Seven-Day Nationwide Deployment: 

According to a Home Ministry, law enforcement agencies will be deployed nationwide from February 8 to 14 February, covering the pre-poll, polling day and post-poll periods. 

More than 900,000 personnel from various forces will be engaged to secure nearly 43,000 polling stations and around 260,000 polling booths across 300 constituencies, involving about 127.5 million voters.

The deployment includes police, Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, Ansar and VDP, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Armed Police Battalion (APBN), Bangladesh Coast Guard and members of the armed forces under the “in aid to civil power” provision.

Security arrangements have been categorized based on risk level, with enhanced protection at important and sensitive polling centres, including in metropolitan areas, Chittagong Hill Tracts and remote regions.

The deployment includes 100,000 Army personnel, 5,000 Navy members, 3,730 Air Force members, 37,453 BGB members, 3,500 Coast Guard personnel, 187,603 police members, 9,349 RAB personnel, 56000 Ansar and VDP members, 1,922 BNCC cadets and 45,820 chowkidar and dafadar.

Police, BGB and Armed Forces on High Alert:

Inspector General of Police Bahrul Alam expressed confidence that the police would uphold professionalism and neutrality during the polls.

“Police is at a crucial turning point. Our members must demonstrate professionalism, impartiality and responsibility to regain public trust,” the IGP said, stressing the growing importance of cyber intelligence and social media monitoring.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali also warned against any breach of the electoral code of conduct.

“Ensuring a flawless and impartial election must take priority over all political affiliations,” he said.

He cautioned that violations could jeopardise both candidate security and overall election environment.

BGB, Coast Guard to reinforce border and coastal security: 

Border Guard Bangladesh Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui said more than 37,000 BGB members will be deployed in 489 upazilas, with exclusive responsibility in 61 border upazilas.

“BGB will perform duties as a professional, disciplined and politically neutral force so that voters can cast their votes in a free and fair environment,” he said, adding that helicopters, drones, K-9 units and quick response teams will remain standby.

He also highlighted heightened vigilance along the Myanmar border and special measures to prevent smuggling, illegal infiltration and security risks linked to the Rohingya situation.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Coast Guard has been deployed in coastal and riverine areas from 18 January to 14 February. The force is committed to safeguarding remote and high-risk polling centres.

100 platoons of about 3,500 members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard will be deployed in remote and important constituencies along the coast and rivers for a total of 28 days from January 18 to February 14, 2026. 

The platoons are divided into land and water sections and are serving in 332 polling stations in 69 unions of remote and remote areas of Bhola district surrounded by rivers including Narayanganj, Chandpur, Khulna, Chittagong, Laxmipur, Noakhali, Cox's Bazar, Barisal and Patuakhali.

About 560,000 members of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force (VDP) have been deployed at 42,766 polling stations nationwide to ensure a safe, free and fair election.

Coordination cells, Emergency Response

A central Law and Order Coordination Cell has been formed with representatives from all major law enforcement agencies, while a special team under emergency service 999 will provide round-the-clock election support.

Joint forces will conduct area-based operations, checkpoints and mobile patrols throughout the election period under the supervision of Returning Officers.