Tech-Tightened Thirteenth: Voting Underway Nationwide with Multi-Layered Security Systems
Voting in the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the national referendum began across the country at 7:30 am on Thursday, February 12. Polling will continue uninterrupted until 4:30 pm.
From early morning, voter presence was observed in the capital and other parts of the country. At many centers, queues formed even before voting officially began. The participation of women and young voters was particularly noticeable.
Visits to several polling centers in the capital revealed that voters were casting their ballots in a peaceful environment while standing in orderly lines. Before entering the centers, voters’ identities were being verified, and ballots were being conducted in accordance with prescribed procedures. Although expatriate postal votes have been included in this election, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are not being used. However, at least five types of technology are being deployed in the voting process.
Most polling centers have been equipped with CCTV cameras. In cases where these are insufficient, Bangladesh Police are using body-worn cameras. These devices include emergency SOS buttons and push-to-talk features.
The Bangladesh Ansar is using the ‘Election Security App’ to report incidents in real time. According to Faiz Taiyeb Ahmed, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, incidents reported through the app will be responded to by Ansar as well as all other law enforcement agencies.
He further stated that Bangladesh Police operates its own walkie-talkie network. Additionally, a Police Communication App is in use, which includes features such as group calling, group SMS, push-to-talk, and escalation functions. The 333 national call center has also been prepared as an election information service to enable citizens to file complaints and reach local police stations regarding election-related issues.
Alongside this, the Election Commission Control Room (short code 105), the Police Command Control Room, and the 999 emergency service have been integrated and are functioning round the clock.
In the words of the Special Assistant, the Election Commission Control Room and Police Command Control Room will remain operational at all times. He urged citizens to refrain from any misconduct, including vote rigging, capturing polling centers, creating disorder in voting lines, intimidating other voters, or behaving discourteously toward election officials.
He added, “Your offenses will be recorded. So remain cautious yourself and encourage others to do the same. Happy voting.”
DBTech/SI/IH/OR
