Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Dhaka Sector Commander Colonel SM Abul Ehsan said on Saturday that BGB will not use lethal weapons to maintain law and order during the upcoming 13th Parliamentary Election.
He made the remarks while speaking at a press conference held at the National Swimming Complex at Mirpur in Dhaka on Saturday, January 31.
More than 37,000 BGB personnel will be deployed across the country during the election period, while security along Bangladesh’s 4,427-kilometre border will be strengthened, he said, adding that the BGB’s Quick Response Force and helicopter unit will remain on standby to respond to emergencies.
Ehsan further said BGB has been deployed nationwide to support the conduct of a free, fair, impartial and credible election, in line with directives from the government and the Election Commission.
Under the Dhaka Sector, 134 platoons of BGB members will be deployed in 51 constituencies across nine districts and four city corporations, covering areas under Dhaka Battalion (5 and 26 BGB), Narayanganj Battalion (62 BGB) and Gazipur Battalion (63 BGB). Specialised K-9 dog squad units will also be deployed for search operations.
He said BGB would remain politically neutral and work in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies to ensure a level playing field for all candidates and allow voters to cast their ballots without fear.
To enhance security and transparency, BGB will use body-worn cameras, night-vision devices, metal detectors, armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and modern communication equipment. A special monitoring cell has been formed at battalion and sector headquarters to oversee the situation round the clock.
On election day, BGB personnel will operate as both mobile and static forces, set up checkpoints at key locations and conduct searches of vehicles and suspicious individuals to prevent any attempts at sabotage or unrest.
Responding to questions, Colonel Abul Ehsan said no major security threats have been identified so far and reiterated that BGB will not use lethal weapons during the election. He added that contact numbers of BGB base camps have been shared with returning officers, while incidents can also be reported through the Election Commission’s security app.
He expressed optimism that the 13th Parliamentary Election would be held in a peaceful, fair and festive atmosphere, with BGB performing its duties in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
KR/MHK