Escalating pre-polls violence rises voter anxiety
Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :
Rising political violence and significant security gaps are triggering concern among voters, election observers, and other stakeholders ahead of the 13th Parliamentary poll and Referendum schedule on February 12.
Reports from Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and government sources indicate that the integrity of the upcoming polls could be at risk if preventive measures are not fully implemented.
According to TIB’s research report revealed on Monday titled, “Year and a Half After the Fall of Authoritarianism: Expectations and Achievements”, at least 15 political workers have been killed in the 36 days following the announcement of the election schedule.
The study highlighted election-related violence, harassment, attacks on political leaders and activists, and a worrying number of threats targeting potential candidates.
In 2025 alone, a total of 401 incidents of political violence were recorded, resulting in 102 deaths.
The report also noted that at least 1,333 weapons looted from police stations remain missing.
Growing threats from deepfakes and misinformation, along with more than 50 attacks on minority communities, have intensified concerns about the electoral environment.
Even, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Monday also confirmed a worrying trend in recent weeks.
Between December 12 last year and February 1 this year, a total of 274 violent incidents were reported in connection with the 13th national parliamentary election, including five killings and 15 attacks on candidates.
Clashes between rival supporters accounted for 89 incidents, while other cases included election-related intimidation, obstruction of campaigning, attacks on election offices, vandalism, arson, road blockades, and protests. One incident targeted a minority community, and 70 other cases were recorded under miscellaneous categories.
Comparative data from previous parliamentary elections reveal a persistent pattern of pre-election violence. During the 12th national election, 534 incidents of violence were recorded over one month, leaving 460 people injured and six dead.
The period also saw 102 cases of vandalism, 118 incidents of arson, and 30 cases involving crude bombs, petrol bombs, or gunfire. In the 11th parliamentary election in 2018, 414 violent incidents over 22 days resulted in 780 injuries and 22 deaths.
The 10th parliamentary election in 2014 saw 530 incidents in 12 days, leaving 315 people injured and 115 dead.
Analysts warn that ongoing pre-election clashes between major parties, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, are intensifying voter anxiety and undermining confidence in the electoral process.
TIB in its findings has highlighted a “security deficit,” noting that only 9-10 percent of personnel assigned to election duties are police officers, which is being seen as a security concerns during election.
This, combined with the thousands of missing weapons and new arms licenses issued to political figures, raises the risk of violence in the election.
TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman cautioned that if mob violence is not effectively controlled, it could disrupt the elections scheduled for February 12.
The interim government, however, has pledged to prioritise election security. Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said more than 100,000 army personnel, 150,000 police officers, 600,000 Ansar members, and additional forces from the Navy, RAB, BGB, and Coast Guard would be deployed.
Drones, CCTV cameras, dog squads, and the Election Protection App-2026 will be used at high-risk centres to prevent unlawful activities.
While talking about law and order situation at the Barishal Shilpakala Academy Auditorium on Monday, Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that all preparations have been taken to ensure a peaceful election, adding, “Just as the Durga Puja was peaceful, the election will also be peaceful.”
“There will be no compromise on law and order during the elections. Any attempt to disrupt public safety must be dealt with firmly,” he said.
“Officials and law enforcement personnel must demonstrate the highest level of professionalism to ensure the safety of ordinary citizens before, during, and after the election.
On election day, law and order must be maintained at such a level that everyone can go to the polling stations and cast their votes in a safe, joyful, and festive environment,” he added.
Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that every effort has been made to ensure a peaceful election.
He emphasised that everyone must work together to maintain law and order, and that the election will be conducted smoothly if each person performs their duties responsibly.
Addressing officials and law enforcement personnel involved in election duties, the adviser said that the entire nation, including the general public and political parties, has high expectations for the upcoming parliamentary election, and the greatest responsibility to meet these expectations rests on their on the other hand, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday acknowledged the risks, noting that no election in Bangladesh has ever been entirely free of disturbances, but the government is making efforts to address isolated incidents.
“There has always been some level of violence or disturbance in every election. This time, too, some isolated incidents have occurred. We have some worries. We are trying to address it,” he said.
He added, “Elections in our country are highly competitive. Even if political parties do not officially instigate violence, incidents can occur at the individual level.
This is not new. It happens in every election, and we will continue trying to minimise such incidents and ensure a proper election.”
Touhid said the government had also briefed foreign diplomats on the steps taken to prevent election-related violence.
Meanwhile, TIB’s Iftekharuzzaman warned that unless effective steps are taken, mob influence could sway the election.
The escalating pattern of pre-election violence, especially between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters, combined with security gaps and institutional weaknesses, is creating a tense atmosphere for voters.
Experts opined that the interim government and the Election Commission should take strict measures to maintain voters’ confidence essential for high voter turnout.