CCTV Camera Vandalised at Magura Polling Centre Ahead of 13th National Election
An incident of vandalism involving a CCTV camera installed at a polling centre in Magura Sadar upazila has occurred ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Although the incident took place two days earlier, it drew widespread attention after footage and related information spread on social media on Thursday, January 22. By Friday, January 24, the issue had sparked extensive discussion online.
A review of the vandalised camera’s footage shows a person striking the device with a bamboo stick, causing it to break. However, due to insufficient lighting, the individual’s face could not be clearly identified. Approximately 10–15 minutes after the camera was damaged, several youths were seen lingering in the area. Authorities suspect that one or more of them may have been involved in the incident.
According to CCTV records, the vandalism occurred on Tuesday night, January 22, at the Chotofalia Secondary School polling centre under the Magura-1 constituency. Following the incident, surveillance and security measures have been strengthened at all polling centres in the area. In this connection, the school’s head teacher has filed a General Diary (GD) with Magura Sadar Police Station.
Relevant sources said that, in order to ensure security and transparency ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, an initiative was taken to install CCTV cameras at 301 polling centres across Magura district. Under the directive of District Returning Officer Abdullah Al Mahmud, two CCTV cameras were installed at Chotofalia Secondary School polling centre at around 4:00 pm on Tuesday. However, within just three hours of installation, one of the cameras was vandalised.
The school’s head teacher, Mizanur Rahman, said that the night guard discovered the camera broken in the morning. He added that, initially, six local youths are suspected of being involved in the incident.
Explaining the situation, head teacher Md. Mizanur Rahman said, “In line with the Election Commission’s directives, two CCTV cameras were installed to monitor the road in front of the school and part of the playground to ensure transparent and orderly conduct of the election. But the camera was vandalised the same night, raising concerns about the school’s security and the smooth conduct of the election. The matter has been brought to the attention of local dignitaries and teachers.”
He further said, “Some local youths have been preliminarily identified. After a more detailed review of the footage, those responsible will be definitively identified, and a General Diary or case will be filed.”
Night guard Afzal Hossain said that after returning from dinner at night, he noticed several youths roaming around the school premises. In the morning, upon seeing the camera damaged, he informed the authorities.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Magura Sadar Police Station, Md. Ashikur Rahman, told the media, “Police visited the spot upon receiving the information. The school’s head teacher has been asked to submit a written complaint. Once the complaint is received, the matter will be investigated and necessary legal action will be taken.”
DBTech/JNU/EK/OR
