EC Issues Comprehensive Security Directives Ahead of 13th National Election
The Election Commission (EC) has issued detailed directives to ensure law and order ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum, aiming to guarantee a peaceful, fair, and credible voting process. As part of the measures, the commission will operate a fully functional monitoring cell for seven days before and after the election.
The information was disclosed in a circular signed by Mohammad Monir Hossain, Deputy Secretary of the Election Commission.
According to the circular, law enforcement agencies will remain fully prepared in the field to ensure a conducive electoral environment, enabling all political parties and candidates to carry out their activities without hindrance and allowing voters to cast their ballots safely. Special security arrangements will also be in place to protect minority and marginalised communities, as well as presiding officers, returning officers, and other election officials at polling centres.
EC sources said that, under the law and order framework, the Ministry of Home Affairs will act as the lead ministry in maintaining security before, during, and after the election. Operations will be carried out in coordination with relevant ministries, forces, and agencies. At the field level, returning officers and presiding officers will receive priority-based support according to necessity.
The circular further stated that security deployment during the election will include centre-based static forces, permanent and temporary checkpoints, mobile patrols, operational teams, and striking forces. A law and order and misinformation monitoring cell will remain fully operational for four days prior to polling, on election day, and for two days afterward.
In addition, special operations will be conducted to prevent the use of illegal arms and to curb rumours and disinformation. High-risk polling centres will be provided with enhanced security, including CCTV coverage and live monitoring through body-worn cameras. These measures aim to ensure that voters can exercise their franchise in a transparent, secure, and festive atmosphere.
The 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum is scheduled to be held on February 12 next year. According to the election roadmap, the deadline for submitting nomination papers is December 29, scrutiny will take place from December 30 to January 4, and appeals against returning officers’ decisions may be filed with the commission by January 11, with disposal scheduled from January 12 to January 18. The deadline for withdrawal of candidacy is January 20, while the final list of candidates and symbol allocation will be published on January 21. Election campaigning will run from January 22 until 7:30 am on February 10.
DBTech/BT/EK/OR
