Bodycams to Bolster Ballot Box Security
The interim government is planning to procure at least 40,000 body-worn cameras for police officers to enhance security at polling stations during the upcoming national elections in February.
The decision was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Saturday, August 9, at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka. The matter was disclosed by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Sunday, August 10.
Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Special Assistants to the Chief Adviser Khoda Bux Chowdhury and Faez Taiyeb Ahmed were present at the meeting.
Faez Taiyeb Ahmed stated, “The process of acquiring 40,000 body cameras, commonly known as bodycams, is at its final stage. These devices will strengthen security at thousands of vulnerable polling stations.”
He further said, “We aim to acquire the bodycams by October so that the police force can receive sufficient training on their key features, including AI capabilities.”
Bangladeshi authorities have contacted three companies from Germany, China, and Thailand to supply the cameras. Police officers and constables will wear the devices on their chests during the elections.
The Chief Adviser instructed officials to expedite the procurement of the bodycams and to ensure proper training for thousands of police personnel.
Faez Taiyeb Ahmed emphasized, “We must ensure complete security at all polling stations, whatever the cost. Our goal is to make the February elections the most free, fair, and peaceful in the country’s history.”
During the meeting, the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant for Telecommunications, Information, and Communication Technology also presented plans to launch an election app ahead of the polls.
The app will provide detailed information on the February elections, including candidate profiles, polling station updates, and facilities for lodging complaints. The Chief Adviser directed that the app be launched swiftly and made user-friendly for more than 100 million voters nationwide.
