Members of the Bangladesh Army and law enforcement agencies began nationwide deployment today, Feb. 8, to secure the country for the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (Parliamentary) Election and a national referendum scheduled for Feb. 12.
The security operation will span seven days, concluding on Feb. 14. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud confirmed that while the army was already on standby, the formal deployment is now active to ensure a peaceful voting environment.
Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd) announced that approximately 900,000 personnel will be on duty—the largest security mobilization for a national election in Bangladesh's history.
Deployment Breakdown: Army: Formal field presence for seven days (Feb. 8–14). Police: Already stationed at strategic points nationwide. Ansar: 8-day deployment for polling station security. Legal Oversight: 1,050 executive magistrates and a team of judicial magistrates are in the field to operate mobile courts and handle electoral inquiries.
Each polling station will be guarded by at least five armed officers (two police and three Ansar) alongside 10 unarmed Ansar members. "Important" or sensitive stations will receive additional armed support.
"The law and order situation is normal, and the election environment is excellent," Commissioner Masud said, noting that ballot boxes are currently being dispatched to districts.
Political campaigning must officially end at 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 10, exactly 48 hours before polls open. Officials expressed confidence that these measures will make the 2026 vote a "role model" for transparency and peace in the region.
