For the upcoming 13th National Election, the government has decided to deliver ballot papers to polling centers on the morning of election day to prevent vote-rigging at night. Strict controls will be placed on vehicles, especially motorcycles. Several security and administrative steps have been announced to ensure a fair and peaceful election.
Ballots Will Be Sent on the Morning of Voting Day
To prevent any possible manipulation the night before the vote, the government has decided that ballot papers and other voting materials will be sent to polling centres on the morning of election day.
However, these materials will be delivered safely to districts, upazilas, and regions from the Election Commission a day earlier. This is being done to avoid any delays on the actual voting day.
“২০১৮ সালের জাতীয় সংসদ নির্বাচনে আগের দিন বিভিন্ন কেন্দ্রে ব্যালট পৌঁছানোর পর রাতে আওয়ামী লীগের নেতা-কর্মীরা কেন্দ্র দখল করে জাল ভোট দেয় বলে অভিযোগ ওঠে।”
“In the 2018 national election, after ballots were delivered a day earlier, there were allegations that Awami League leaders and activists took control of centres at night and cast fake votes.”
This move is one of the reforms recommended by the Election Reform Commission.
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Transport Restrictions During Election Time
Strict transport control will be in place during the election:
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For 7 days, motorcycle movement will be banned in all election areas.
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For 15 days, only vehicles on fixed election duty routes will be allowed. All others like taxis, microbuses, pickups, trucks, launches, and motorboats will be banned in election zones.
These decisions were made in a meeting on July 9 between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
CCTV and Body Cameras to Monitor Voting
The government will install CCTV cameras in all polling centers on election day. Also, law enforcement members must wear body cameras during duty to ensure transparency and accountability.
Recruitment and Training of Security Forces
To maintain law and order during the election:
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A total of 19,292 new members will be recruited across various law enforcement agencies.
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Police: 11,000
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BGB: 5,513
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Coast Guard: 634
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Ansar: 2,145
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Dr. Muhammad Yunus has instructed all departments to complete recruitment and start training by December 2025.
“তিনি দ্রুততম সময়ের মধ্যে নিয়োগ শেষ করে নির্বাচনী দায়িত্বভিত্তিক প্রশিক্ষণ শুরু করে ডিসেম্বরের মধ্যে তা শেষ করার নির্দেশ দিয়েছেন।”
“He has ordered to complete the recruitment quickly, begin election-related training, and finish it by December.”
Political Officers to Be Transferred
The government plans to check the political involvement of key officials like DCs, SPs, UNOs, and OCs. Based on findings, they might be transferred.
Dr. Yunus has proposed that transfers be made through a lottery system to ensure neutrality.
“নির্বাচনকে নিরপেক্ষ, প্রভাবমুক্ত ও গ্রহণযোগ্য করতে এসব পদে লটারিভিত্তিক বদলি করা সম্ভব কি-না, তা বিবেচনার জন্য…”
“To make the election neutral and acceptable, it is being considered whether these positions can be changed through a lottery system…”
Budget Allocated for Smooth Election
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The Finance Ministry has already allocated budget for training and equipment.
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2,080 crore taka has been allocated for the EC.
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An additional 20,000 crore taka has been kept aside for emergency election-related expenses.
“নির্বাচনের অর্থ বরাদ্দ দিতে কোনো কার্পণ্য করবে না সরকার।”
“The government will not be stingy in allocating funds for the election.” — Economic Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed.
8 Lakh Members of Security Forces to Be Deployed
For nationwide election security, a total of 800,000 law enforcement personnel will be trained and deployed:
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Police: 1,41,000
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Armed and General Ansar: 47,000
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Ansar-VDP (with weapons and batons): 94,000
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Village police and Dafadar: 94,000
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60,000 army personnel will also be deployed, according to a statement made on July 28 by Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.
Area-Wise Security Cells to Be Formed
Each Returning Officer (RO) will form a law-and-order cell in their area. They will coordinate with local safety committees to create a detailed security plan, which will be shared with the EC.
For proper deployment:
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In districts, the SP will coordinate security forces.
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In city areas, the Police Commissioner will handle coordination.
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Army and other forces may be called in under “In Aid to Civil Power” if needed.
Election Manuals and Instant Punishment for Violators
To prevent irregularities:
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A manual will be prepared for both voters and officials on duty.
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If any official is caught committing misconduct, they will be punished immediately and recorded in a permanent misconduct record (dossier).
Special Arrangements for Youth and Women Voters
Special support will be arranged for:
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Young voters aged 18–33, including separate booths.
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Women voters, with dedicated female-only booths to ensure privacy and comfort.
Mobile Court Teams with Judicial Powers
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Every district will form mobile court teams made up of Judicial Magistrates.
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They will monitor and control violence and code-of-conduct violations before, during, and after election day.
Executive Magistrates will also be deployed where needed, working with a sufficient number of law enforcement personnel.
Crackdown on Weapons and Explosives
After the election schedule is announced:
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All legal weapon license holders will be barred from carrying or displaying weapons for 15 days.
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Law enforcement will conduct targeted raids to find illegal weapons, explosives, and any violence-related materials.
Source: TBS
