Dhaka, Feb 10 (V7N) — Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam on Tuesday warned that if any mob attempts to disrupt voting, the Election Commission (EC) will suspend polling in the entire constituency, not just the affected polling center.

The IGP made the statement while speaking at a press conference on the law and order situation ahead of the 13th National Parliament election and referendum on Tuesday (February 10).

Baharul Alam said that all preparations have been completed to ensure a peaceful election and asserted that no one would be allowed to obstruct the polling process. “There will be striking forces ready to respond to any emergency situation,” he said, adding that three-tier security measures have been put in place — at the polling center, mobile patrol, and striking force levels.

He also said that police personnel who were involved in the previous national election have been kept away from election duties this time to ensure neutrality. “The police are performing their duties impartially,” the IGP said, expressing optimism that all stakeholders would help deliver a credible and peaceful election.

Describing the election as an opportunity to restore public trust in the police, Baharul Alam said a total of 187,603 police members have been deployed nationwide. In addition to the police, members of the army, navy, and Ansar are also working to maintain overall security.

The IGP further informed that 27,995 licensed weapons have been deposited as part of election security measures. He said CCTV cameras have been installed in about 90 percent of polling centers, while body-worn cameras and drones will be used in high-risk centers.

Referring to the overall situation since the announcement of the election schedule, Baharul Alam said that 317 incidents of violence occurred between December 11 and February 9. During this period, five people were killed and 603 others were injured, he added.

END/SMA/AJ