As Bangladesh prepares for its upcoming national election, fresh concerns have emerged over the security of polling centres across the country. The Special Branch (SB) of police has identified more than two-thirds of all polling stations as “vulnerable,” warning of potential violence, centre takeovers, and disinformation campaigns during the polls.
According to official documents, the Election Commission (EC) has been informed that 28,663 out of 42,761 polling centres-approximately 67% nationwide-are considered at risk. Among them, 8,226 centres have been classified as “highly vulnerable.”
The alarming figures were revealed during a high-level inter-agency meeting on law and order held at the EC Secretariat on October 20, where representatives from the police, army, intelligence agencies, and election officials participated. The meeting’s minutes, approved on Sunday (November 10), provide a rare glimpse into the growing security anxiety surrounding the polls.
Army Seeks Judicial Powers and Drone Surveillance: During the meeting, military representatives reportedly requested judicial authority for army personnel to take prompt action against election-time violence, as well as permission to use drones for aerial monitoring of polling areas.
The army delegation argued that judicial powers would enable them to play a “more effective role” in ensuring the safety of polling officials, election materials, and voters. They also proposed the right to enter polling centres when necessary and conduct special operations to arrest armed criminals and identified troublemakers before the polls.
“The army believes enhanced authority and technological support like drone surveillance could prevent violence before it starts,” an official familiar with the meeting said.
The representatives also emphasized the importance of close coordination among all security agencies to maintain peace before, during, and after the election. They cautioned about the possibility of attacks on political parties, polling stations being seized, disruptions in vote casting, and even arson attacks on homes and properties in the aftermath of results.
Currently, the army remains deployed in 62 districts under the “In Aid to Civil Power” framework. It has proposed to remain on the ground for eight days-three days before the vote, on election day, and four days after-to ensure continuous security coverage.
Police and Intelligence Agencies Warn of Armed Violence: The Special Branch informed the EC that illegal weapons may be smuggled into different regions in the lead-up to the polls. Intelligence reports suggest that criminal groups affiliated with local political factions are stockpiling weapons and planning to intimidate voters and polling agents.
To counter this, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been assigned to monitor illegal financial flows that could be used for vote-buying or violent mobilization. CID officials warned that the use of social media and artificial intelligence (AI) could amplify disinformation campaigns and false narratives during the election period.
“We have already identified a significant number of misleading and provocative contents circulating online,” a CID representative told the meeting. “RAB’s Cyber Unit is now working to detect and neutralize such digital threats.”
Election Commission Calls for Coordination and Public Confidence: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin presided over the meeting, stressing the importance of collective effort among all agencies to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair election.
“The Election Commission alone cannot execute such a vast national event without support from all quarters,” the CEC said. “Restoring public confidence through transparent and peaceful polling is our foremost duty.”
Nasir Uddin acknowledged the challenges and threats the EC faces in the upcoming polls but maintained that these could be overcome with “sincerity, coordination, and proactive planning.”
“Elections are a constitutional responsibility,” he added. “We must carry them out in a way that earns the trust of the people and upholds Bangladesh’s democratic values.”
Widespread Fear of Election-Day Violence: Security officials in attendance expressed concern that polling-day violence could surpass that of previous elections if preventive measures are not taken early.
“We are seeing signs of rising tension at the local level,” one senior police officer told The Daily Ittefaq. “The main risks include centre takeovers, ballot snatching, obstruction of voters, and targeted attacks on party agents. Some groups are already planning to disrupt voting in competitive constituencies.”
In several districts, police intelligence reports indicate potential clashes between rival party supporters, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. Law enforcement officials fear that even small incidents could spiral into large-scale violence due to existing political polarization.
Heightened Surveillance Planned: The EC, in coordination with law enforcement, is now developing a layered security plan that includes mobile teams, strike forces, and intelligence coordination cells. Drones, CCTV cameras, and digital command centres may also be deployed to monitor real-time activities in high-risk areas.
According to sources, the army’s proposal to use drones for surveillance has received preliminary approval, though final authorization is pending from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Election officials have also recommended stronger police presence at “critical polling stations,” which may include deploying armed police battalions and RAB units for rapid response.
Political Reactions and Public Concerns: The disclosure that 67% of polling stations are vulnerable has sparked concern among political observers and civil society groups. Opposition parties claim that the risk assessment reflects a “failure of the state” to ensure basic electoral security, while government officials argue that early warnings demonstrate a “responsible and proactive” approach.
A senior EC official said, “We cannot take chances this time. Our goal is to identify threats early and act decisively to prevent any breach of law and order.”
Political analysts, however, caution that over-militarizing the election environment could have unintended consequences. “While the army’s presence can deter violence, granting them judicial powers raises questions about civilian oversight,” said Professor Ali Riaz, a political analyst at Illinois State University. “It’s a delicate balance between ensuring security and protecting democratic freedoms.”
Cybersecurity and Disinformation Risks Growing: Experts have warned that the misuse of artificial intelligence and social media could play a destabilizing role in this election. Fake videos, manipulated speeches, and AI-generated misinformation are expected to flood online platforms, potentially influencing voter perception.
Digital rights advocates say that the government must ensure that anti-fake news operations are not used to silence legitimate criticism. “Combating disinformation is crucial, but it must not become an excuse for restricting free expression,” said Taslima Rahman, a digital media analyst told the Daily Industry.
Election Commission’s Path Forward: The EC plans to finalize its security deployment blueprint in the coming weeks, with coordination meetings between civil administration, police, and armed forces to follow. A special task force will oversee the implementation of safety measures in the most vulnerable constituencies. Despite the mounting risks, the CEC reiterated his optimism: “Every election brings its own challenges, but with sincerity and collaboration, we can ensure a fair and peaceful democratic process.”
