Bangladesh plans to procure 40,000 bodycams for February election

The move aims to bolster security at vulnerable polling centres

The interim government is planning to procure at least 40,000 body-worn cameras, commonly known as bodycams, to bolster security at polling stations during the upcoming general election in February.

The initiative was discussed on Saturday at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, the Chief Advisor's Office said in a statement.

The Chief Advisor's Special Assistant Faiz Ahmad Tayeb, who attended the meeting, said that the procurement process for the bodycams is in its final stage. He emphasised that the devices would strengthen security at thousands of vulnerable polling centres.

“We are aiming to procure the bodycams by October so police officers can receive adequate training on their key features, including AI capabilities,” said Faiz.

Authorities have approached three companies from Germany, China, and Thailand to supply the cameras.

Police officers and constables will wear the devices on their chests while on election duty, particularly in high-risk polling centres.

Yunus directed officials to speed up the procurement and training process.

“We must guarantee complete security at all polling centres, no matter the cost. Our goal is to make the February election the most free, fair, and peaceful in the country’s history,” he said.

The meeting also revealed plans for a new Election App, which will offer voters information on candidates, polling locations, and real-time updates, as well as tools for lodging complaints.

The chief advisor urged officials to fast-track the app’s launch and ensure that it is user-friendly for the country’s more than 100 million voters.