Body-worn cameras to be provided in sensitive areas: Salehuddin

To strengthen ground-level security during the upcoming national parliamentary election, body-worn cameras will be deployed in sensitive areas. However, although the initial plan was to procure 40,000 body cameras, that number will now be reduced, said Finance Adviser Dr. Salahuddin Ahmed.

He shared the information while speaking to journalists on Tuesday (18 November) after meetings of the Advisory Committee on Government Purchase and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, held in the conference room of the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat. Both meetings were presided over by the finance adviser.

Responding to a question about discussions on body cameras and the progress so far, the adviser said, “A lot of review has been done on body cameras. The initial plan was to procure a large number, which is why we asked them to review it. The price will be assessed, and most importantly, the procurement process must be transparent.”

He added, “Body cameras will be procured, but perhaps in a more rational quantity. We have suggested — in fact, the Ministry of Home Affairs has suggested — that the cameras be used only in sensitive areas. We cannot deploy body cameras everywhere. There is also the issue of monitoring — footage will come in and action must be taken accordingly. So, the Home Ministry will purchase them in consultation with the Election Commission for sensitive locations.”

When asked whether the earlier plan to buy 40,000 body cameras would now be reduced, Salahuddin Ahmed said, “That is what is being rationalised. The number will be reduced. But I won’t say by how much right now. Once the proposal comes, it will be clear.”

In response to another question about when the purchase might take place, he said, “Soon. They may bring it forward next week.”