The 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum are being held today amid stringent security measures across the capital. Armed members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police, and the Bangladesh Army have been stationed in front of every polling center in Dhaka.
Around 7:00 am on Thursday, armed army patrols were seen outside the Dhaka Residential Model College polling center.
Strict security measures by RAB were also observed at the Government Physical Education College center in Mohammadpur and at the Capital High School center on Manik Mia Avenue.
Officials in charge of the Dhaka Residential Model College center said a total of 13,884 voters both men and women are registered at the center.
As dawn broke, polling centers across the city began to witness growing activity. Polling agents from various political parties started arriving at the centers. Members of law enforcement agencies and polling officials provided them with necessary instructions.
Deputy Commissioner (Media) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Muhammad Talebur Rahman, said comprehensive security arrangements have been ensured in the capital surrounding the election and referendum. He stated that 26,515 members of law enforcement agencies have been deployed in Dhaka.
According to the Election Commission, a total of 919,350 law enforcement personnel are on duty nationwide to maintain order. Among them, 103,000 are members of the Bangladesh Army. In addition, members of the Navy, Air Force, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard, Police, RAB, and Ansar are working in coordination.
To curb electoral offenses and conduct on-the-spot trials, 657 judicial magistrates and 1,047 executive magistrates have been deployed.
Voting began at 7:30 am and will continue uninterrupted until 4:30 pm.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
