Photo: BSS

RANGAMATI, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS) - Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary 
Polls, election equipment and polling personnel have begun arriving at 20 
remote polling stations in the district by helicopter due to difficult 
terrain and lack of communication facilities.

Out of a total of 213 polling stations in the hilly district, 20 are located 
in extremely remote areas where access by road or waterway is not possible. 

As a result, the Election Commission has designated these centers as 
"helisortie" polling stations (a single, complete mission or trip performed 
by a helicopter).

Election equipment officers, polling officials and security personnel started 
departing for the remote centers in phases from Saturday with the assistance 
of the Bangladesh Air Force, said Additional District Magistrate Nishat 
Sharmin.

She said the transportation process continued on Sunday, particularly for 
polling stations in Juraichhari upazila, and will be completed by February 
10.

Of the 20 helisortie polling stations, six are located in Baghaichhari 
upazila, two in Barkal, seven in Juraichhari and five in Bilaichhari. More 
than 30,000 voters are registered in these remote areas.

The Election Commission decided to use helicopters to ensure timely delivery 
of ballot boxes, election materials, polling officials and security forces to 
these centers to facilitate a smooth voting process.

According to the District Election Office, Rangamati has a total of 5,09,267 
voters across its 10 upazilas, two municipalities and 50 unions. Among them, 
263,410 are male voters, 245,855 are female and two are transgender voters.

The administration has completed all necessary preparations to ensure a free, 
fair and acceptable election in the district, officials added.