AI-enabled bodycams to boost election safety

Staff Reporter :

Bangladesh’s interim government is preparing to procure at least 40,000 body-worn cameras for police officers to bolster security at polling stations during the forthcoming general election in February.

The plan was discussed on Saturday at a high-level meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Among those present were Home Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Special Assistants Khuda Baksh Chowdhury and Faiz Tayeb Ahmed.

Mr Ahmed confirmed that the procurement process for the cameras-commonly referred to as bodycams-was at its final stage. He said the devices, which include artificial intelligence features, would enhance security at thousands of vulnerable polling centres.

“Our aim is to acquire the bodycams by October, allowing sufficient time to train police officers in their use ahead of the election,” he added.
According to officials, three companies from Germany, China and Thailand have been approached to supply the devices, which will be worn on officers’ chests while on duty.

Professor Yunus instructed that the procurement be expedited and that comprehensive training be provided for all personnel. “We must ensure complete security at every polling station. Our goal is to make the February election the most free, fair and peaceful in the nation’s history,” he said.

The meeting also heard plans for a new “Election App” designed to give voters access to detailed information about candidates, polling stations and election updates, as well as an interactive function for submitting complaints.

The Chief Adviser urged that the app’s development be fast-tracked and made accessible to the country’s more than 100 million voters.