Technology-Driven Trial Run Showcases Secure Voting

The Dhaka District Election Commission demonstrated the use of body-worn cameras, CCTV, drones, and the ‘Election Security App 2026’ during a mock election at the Tetuljhora College polling centre in Tetuljhora Union of Savar Upazila, Dhaka district. As part of the drill, all stages of the voting process were displayed, along with comprehensive law and order management at a polling station.

The national election mock exercise, titled Electoral Management Exercise, was inspected on Tuesday afternoon, February 3, by Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd.).

Briefing journalists after the inspection, the adviser said that maximum use of technology has been ensured in conducting this year’s election. He expressed confidence that, with the honesty, efficiency, and sincerity of election officials and law enforcement agencies—supported by information technology—Bangladesh would witness the most free, fair, impartial, peaceful, and festive election in its history, Insha’Allah.

He also stated that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to maintain discipline during the national parliamentary election and any referendum, and that strict action will be taken against any attempt to disrupt order.

Responding to questions from journalists regarding social media campaigns by the Awami League discouraging voters from going to polling centres, the adviser said that most leaders and activists of what he described as the “fascist Awami League” have fled the country, leaving only a handful of supporters behind. He added that such propaganda, orchestrated from abroad, would not gain public support and challenged those involved to return to the country and face the law if they have the courage.

Urging journalists to ignore negative propaganda, he called for their cooperation in ensuring a spontaneous and festive election atmosphere. Expressing optimism, he said that with collective cooperation and participation, this election would be the most inclusive and celebratory one, particularly as people had been deprived of exercising their voting rights in the past three elections.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Gani, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, BPM, chiefs of various law enforcement agencies, and concerned officials from divisional, district, and upazila administrations were present at the event.

DBTech/FH/EK/OR