Feb-12 polls: Over 37,000 BGB personnel deployed
Staff Reporter :
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has rolled out extensive security preparations ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum, deploying more than 37,000 personnel across the country to ensure a peaceful, free, and credible polling environment.
Speaking at a media briefing on Saturday, Dhaka Sector Commander of BGB, Colonel SM Abul Ehsan, said the force was fully prepared to maintain law and order without resorting to lethal weapons.
“At this stage, we do not see any serious threat to the election,” he said. “Under clear instructions from the Director General of BGB, we will not use any lethal weapons during election duties.
Our priority is to keep the situation calm and normal.”
According to BGB officials, security operations are being conducted while maintaining full protection of the country’s 4,427-kilometre border.
BGB members will be deployed in 489 of the country’s 495 upazilas, while the force will take sole responsibility for election duties in 61 border upazilas.
Considering the overall risk assessment, BGB will act as both mobile and static forces in all 300 parliamentary constituencies, with two to four platoons deployed per upazila. Colonel Abul Ehsan said specialised units would remain on standby to respond to any emergency.
“Our Rapid Action Teams (RAT), Quick Response Forces (QRF), and helicopter units will be ready at all times to reach any location at short notice if the situation demands,” he said.
He added that specialised K-9 dog squad units would also be deployed to strengthen security.
In the Dhaka Sector alone, BGB has established 42 temporary base camps across 51 constituencies under nine districts and four city corporations.
A total of 134 BGB platoons from Dhaka Battalion (5 and 26 BGB), Narayanganj Battalion (62 BGB), and Gazipur Battalion (63 BGB) are assigned to election duties in these areas.
To enhance transparency and accountability, BGB personnel will use modern equipment, including body-worn cameras, night vision devices, metal detectors, armoured personnel carriers, and advanced communication systems.
Special monitoring cells have also been set up at battalion and sector headquarters to keep constant watch over the election situation.
On polling day, BGB members will conduct regular patrols, set up checkpoints at key locations, and carry out vehicle and suspect searches to prevent sabotage or unrest.
Expressing confidence in a peaceful election, BGB officials said coordinated efforts between the government, the Election Commission, law enforcement agencies, and the public would be crucial.
“We believe the upcoming election will be held in a peaceful, orderly, and festive atmosphere,” Colonel Abul Ehsan said.
“BGB will continue to perform its duties with the highest respect for the Constitution and the law, prioritising the trust and confidence of the people,” he added.