Dhaka, Feb 03 (V7N) — Law enforcement agencies have taken what they describe as “maximum preparations” to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming 13th National Assembly elections and referendum, as incidents of election-related violence continue to rise across the country.

More than 150,000 trained police personnel will be deployed nationwide during the polls. Authorities have warned that they will respond with maximum force if any chaotic or violent situation arises at polling centers.

The pre-election period has already witnessed deadly violence. Rezaul Karim, secretary of Sribardi Upazila Jamaat, was killed in Sherpur during a clash between BNP and Jamaat activists following the announcement of the election manifesto.

According to reports published in various media outlets, over 150 attacks and clashes have occurred in around 50 constituencies in the 10 days following the announcement of the election schedule up to February 1. At least four people have been killed in these incidents, although the Transparency and Accountability Board (TAB) claims the death toll stands at 15.

As election day approaches, violence and political tensions are intensifying in different parts of the country. Mutual attacks and clashes have heightened anxiety among ordinary voters and candidates, raising concerns over overall election security.

Police officials maintain that extensive measures have been put in place. The Special Branch (SB) has identified several constituencies as high-risk. According to police sources, 13 constituencies in 10 districts, including Pabna, Chittagong, and Patuakhali, have been classified as highly vulnerable to violence.

AIG (Media) HM Shahadat Hossain said security planning has been adjusted based on risk assessments.

“In districts where the risk is high, our security plan has been strengthened accordingly. Security forces will remain stationed at polling centers. In addition, ‘body-on’ cameras will be used at various centers so that any violent behavior is recorded,” he said.

He added that wireless units, strike teams, and backup forces will remain on standby to respond immediately to any untoward situation.

Before, during, and after voting, nearly 900,000 members of law enforcement and security agencies—including the army, police, RAB, BGB, and Coast Guard—will be deployed across the country.

Acknowledging the challenges, Shahadat Hossain said ensuring security during elections is always complex.

“There is a possibility of violence or even election boycotts. Our security plan has been prepared with these risks in mind. Our main responsibility is to ensure citizens’ voting rights, and we are working to provide all necessary security for that purpose,” he said.

Authorities have also announced heightened monitoring of social media during the election and referendum period. The police cyber team has urged citizens to remain cautious about provocative or misleading posts on Facebook and to verify information from reliable sources, including content generated through artificial intelligence.

END/SMA/AJ