Dhaka, Oct 20 (V7N) — Law enforcement agencies have proposed to remain deployed eight days before and eight days after the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election to ensure a peaceful and orderly voting atmosphere.

The proposal was made during a consultation meeting between the Election Commission (EC) and representatives of various law enforcement agencies, held at the Election Building in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Monday morning (October 20). The discussion began at 10:30 a.m. and continued for about two hours.

The meeting was attended by 18 representatives from different security and intelligence agencies, including the Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry, representatives of the three service chiefs, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director General of BGB, the Directors General of Ansar and VDP, the Director General of NTMC, and the Directors General of NSI and DGFI.

Following the meeting, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters that the proposals submitted by the forces will be reviewed and evaluated by the commission. He added that no agency expressed concern about the law and order situation or the potential voting environment.

According to preliminary plans, 90,000 to 100,000 armed forces personnel, around 150,000 police members, and approximately 600,000 Ansar personnel are expected to be deployed during the election period.

The EC Secretary also mentioned that drone operations will be banned during the election campaign to maintain security and prevent misinformation. However, law enforcement and intelligence agencies will be exempt from this restriction for operational purposes.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has reiterated that it aims to hold the 13th national polls before Ramadan, tentatively in the first half of February. The election schedule is expected to be announced in early December.

END/SMA/AJ