The government is rolling out an unprecedented initiative to install CCTV cameras at all polling centres nationwide to ensure a transparent, secure, and well-monitored voting process ahead of the 13th Parliamentary Election.
Under the programme, 42,000 polling centres across 300 constituencies, including the capital, will come under CCTV surveillance. The installation work is already underway, funded and coordinated by local administrations, city corporations, and district authorities.
Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, said more than 21,946 polling centres, over 50 percent, have been identified as highly sensitive or high-risk. A special allocation of Tk 71.98 crore from the Ministry of Finance has been made to equip the centers with the necessary cameras.
“The main objective of the CCTV surveillance is to closely monitor conditions inside and around polling stations throughout the voting process,” Azad said.
Officials noted that 6,552 polling centres already had cameras, eliminating the need for new installations at these sites. This approach saves costs and allows faster implementation.
During a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Bailey Road in Dhaka on Wednesday, January 21, Azad said that the installation process is progressing rapidly, with several districts nearing full coverage.
While CCTV installation is a key step in election security, officials emphasized it is not the only challenge. The Chief Adviser has instructed law enforcement to recover looted and illegal weapons and remain alert to prevent their misuse.
Authorities are also taking measures to prevent election-related violence, combat rumors and misinformation, address technical issues, and ensure uninterrupted electricity and internet connectivity.
The government aims to bring all polling stations under CCTV surveillance by the end of January, with central and local administrations coordinating closely.
Senior officials have conducted on-site inspections in multiple districts to monitor progress.
MU/MHK