As Bangladesh prepares for its historic 13th general elections on February 12, 2026the security landscape is being defined by a mix of high-tech surveillance and significant safety concerns.
Here is a breakdown of the current situation based on the latest reports:
1. The “Risk-Prone” Reality
According to the Inspector General of Police, over 50% of polling centers nationwide have been classified as “risk-prone.”
National Numbers: Out of nearly 43,000 polling centers, around 24,000 are categorized as “high” or “moderate” risk.
The Dhaka Situation: The capital is particularly sensitive; out of 2,131 centers in Dhaka, 1,614 (nearly 75%) are considered risky by the police, though the army’s assessment has been more conservative.
Reason for Concern: This is the first election since the 2024 “July Uprising” that ousted Sheikh Hasina. With the Awami League barred from contesting, the main battle is between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islamicreating a volatile political vacuum.
2. Massive Tech Deployment: CCTV and Drones
To counter the high risk, the Election Commission (EC) is launching the most technology-driven security operation in the country’s history:
CCTV Surveillance: More than 90% of polling centers have been equipped with CCTV cameras for round-the-clock monitoring.
Body Cameras: For the first time, nearly 25,000 police officers (especially in Dhaka) will wear body-worn cameras. Some are IP-based for a live feed directly to control rooms.
Drones & UAVs: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and drones are being deployed to monitor crowds and detect any signs of violence from the air.
Election Security App: A new app developed by the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC) will track the movement of ballot boxes and election materials in real-time.
3. Ground Force Deployment
The sheer scale of the security personnel involved is unprecedented:
Personnel Count: Nearly 958,000 law enforcement members—including the Police, RAB, Ansar, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB)—are on duty.
Army Presence: The Bangladesh Army is also deployed in a “striking force” capacity to intervene in case of major riots or booth capturing.
Strict Warnings: The Home Adviser has warned of “strict action” against any official if irregularities like ballot snatching or fake voting occur under their watch.
4. What’s at Stake?
Referendum: Along with electing a new parliament, citizens will vote on a “July Charter” referendum featuring an 84-point reform package (including prime ministerial term limits).
Voter Turnout: Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has urged the nation to set aside fear and vote, calling it a response to “17 years of silence.”
Read More: Drones, Body-Cams, and Danger The High-Tech Fortress of Bangladesh’s 2026 Election
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