Dhaka, Jan 07 (V7N)- The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a detailed circular outlining the deployment and responsibilities of law enforcement forces for the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum. The document specifies measures to maintain security before, during, and after the elections.

According to the circular, the armed forces will be deployed from February 8 to February 14 under the 'In Aid to Civil Power' framework. Their tasks include assisting the local civil administration, recovering illegal weapons, arresting identified terrorists, patrolling important roads and highways, and providing security at strategic locations across district and upazila levels. Helicopter patrols may also be used if necessary.

The circular details the responsibilities of police forces, emphasizing their role as the primary agency to maintain overall peace and order, secure polling stations, protect election equipment and documents, and ensure safety for election officials and employees. Officers deployed in sensitive areas will also be equipped with body-worn cameras.

The BGB, Coast Guard, RAB, and Ansar battalions are assigned mainly as mobile and striking forces to respond swiftly to emergencies. The circular states that Executive Magistrates will lead mobile and striking units, operating mobile courts to enforce the Election Code of Conduct. Judicial magistrates and the Electoral Inquiry Committee will conduct summary trials from two days before to two days after the elections.

The deployment plan also specifies numbers for each polling station based on location and importance. For example, at major polling centers in metropolitan areas, five police personnel and 12 Ansar/VDP members will be stationed to ensure smooth voting operations.

The circular reflects the government’s aim to ensure a safe, orderly, and credible election process for all voters.

END/SMA/AJ