Bangladesh Armed Forces Chiefs Convene with Chief Adviser Yunus on 13th National Election Security

High-Level Meeting Addresses Election Security

The chiefs of Bangladesh's three armed forces convened a crucial meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday evening to discuss extensive preparations for ensuring the security and peaceful conduct of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The meeting, which also included National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman, underscored the interim government's commitment to a free, fair, and impartial electoral process.

Comprehensive Security Measures Outlined

During the high-level discussions, Chief Adviser Yunus instructed the armed forces to implement comprehensive measures to maintain peace and order across the country. The military chiefs, including Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hasan, and Air Chief Marshal Hassan Mahmud Khan, briefed the Chief Adviser on their operational plans. Significant troop deployments are anticipated, with reports indicating that 90,000 army personnel, 2,500 navy personnel, and a number of air force personnel will be deployed to support law and order during the election period.

The Chief Adviser emphasized the need for vigilance against 'any kind of sudden and powerful attack' centered around the polls, explicitly mentioning cyberattacks and the spread of disinformation. Directives were also issued for the preparation of approximately 16,000 vulnerable polling stations to be brought under a CCTV monitoring network. Furthermore, law enforcement members are expected to be deployed for an extended period of seven days, covering the pre-election, election, and post-election phases.

Electoral Context and Administrative Directives

Professor Yunus, who assumed the role of Chief Adviser of the interim government on August 8, 2024, following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, reiterated the government's determination to hold the elections in February in a 'free, fair, impartial, peaceful and festive manner'. The 13th National Parliamentary Election is tentatively scheduled for the first half of February 2026.

Administrative preparations are also in full swing, with directives for the reshuffling of field-level administrative officials, including Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs), and Officers-in-Charge (OCs). Training for judicial magistrates on electoral duties has also been mandated to ensure smooth electoral proceedings.

Updates on the Electoral Process

The Election Commission (EC) is actively working to finalize all necessary preparations, with the election schedule expected to be announced by the first week of December. The final voter list is slated for publication on November 18, with over 127 million voters already registered, including 1.30 million new voters.

Recent amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) 2025 have reinstated the 'no vote' option and abolished the obligation to use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Additionally, the disclosure of candidates' assets, income, and taxes has been made mandatory, aiming to enhance transparency in the electoral process.