Police Kept Neutral as Election Nears: IGP

Bangladesh’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam said police officers who served during the previous election have been removed from election-related duties to ensure neutrality.

He made the remarks at a press conference on law and order on Tuesday (February 10).

Baharul Alam said all preparations for the election are in place and warned that no one will be allowed to disrupt the vote. Special strike forces have been formed to respond to emergencies.

“The police are performing their duties in a neutral manner,” he said. “Officers who were involved in the last election are not assigned to election duties this time. We aim to restore public confidence in the police.”

He said the force is fully prepared to handle violence if it occurs. Security measures have been deployed at three levels—polling centers, mobile patrols, and strike forces. About 87,000 police officers are engaged in election security nationwide, alongside members of the army, navy, and Ansar.

The IGP said 27,995 licensed firearms have been deposited ahead of the election. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed at about 90 percent of polling centers, while cameras and drones will be used at high-risk locations.

Addressing recent unrest, Baharul Alam said 317 violent incidents were reported between December 11 and February 9. Five people were killed and 603 others injured during that period.

He added that if mobs attempt to disrupt voting, the Election Commission will suspend polling in the affected constituencies, not just individual centers.