Staff Reporter :
The Election Commission (EC) has drawn up a three-tier security strategy for the upcoming national elections, featuring static deployment at polling centres, mobile surveillance teams, and a central reserve force.
After a coordination meeting with all law enforcement agencies at the Election Building in Agargaon on Thursday, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed briefed reporters on the preparations.
The home ministry secretary was also present. According to the EC, security personnel will be stationed permanently at polling centres, supported by fixed and mobile check posts in key areas.
Mobile teams will patrol on a rotational basis, with each force deciding how many centres a team will cover based on terrain and road access.
A central reserve force will remain on standby for rapid response, while the usual Striking Force will also be kept ready.
The EC will activate the same cyber security system used during NTMC operations and major religious events.
Ahmed said the home ministry will lead overall law-and-order management during the polls by issuing required guidelines, while the EC will coordinate and monitor operations through a dedicated monitoring cell. The size of the cell will be finalised later.
On the magistracy powers currently granted to the armed forces, he confirmed that the powers will remain valid until February 2026.
To tackle misinformation, a cyber security cell will be formed to monitor online and media platforms.
The cell will use a UNDP-supported platform and work with the Information Ministry, CID and other verification-capable agencies.
The EC also announced stricter oversight for postal ballots arriving from abroad.
Ahmed said two layers of security will be maintained at airports and at the Tejgaon postal sorting centre, with tight protection during sorting, delivery to returning officers, storage and counting.
