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Published : 06 Jan 2026, 09:19 PM
In the run-up to the national election, the government has placed the highest priority on ensuring the security of political party leaders in light of recent violent incidents.
On Tuesday, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam responded to questions about whether separate security arrangements had been made for candidates and party leaders in different parts of the country.
Shafiqul said the government has coordinated with political parties and security agencies, and many leaders who require protection have been assigned gunmen.
“You can find the full list with the police and the parties. Some prefer not to disclose it, so we do not publicise it,” he added.
He emphasised that the safety of political leaders is a top government priority, with police, particularly the Special Branch, actively monitoring and assessing security needs. Local requests for additional protection will also be carefully evaluated.
Senior Assistant Press Secretary Faiz Ahmed said there was no religious or professional connection to the killing of a journalist in Jashore on Monday, citing preliminary findings by local police.
He said there were attempts in various quarters to spread deliberate misinformation by focusing on the victim’s religious identity.
“Local police have informed us that the victim was already accused in a murder case. He was a leader of the Awami League and had long been involved in extremist politics.”
“As you know, there is a long history of extremist politics in that area, and multiple internal feuds exist among such groups,” Faiz said.
Responding to another question on the role of the Election Commission and the government, Faiz said remarks by Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain had been misrepresented.
Faiz said that in different areas, nomination papers of rival candidates had been cancelled due to different irregularities.
Decisions at appeal hearings, he added, would be made solely on the basis of documentary evidence, not on party affiliation or a candidate’s influence.
“Everyone will receive justice here,” he said.
On attempts to spread confusion over the election, the press secretary said the government is fully aware of the “profiles” of those continuing to sow doubt.
“Who were they in the past, what roles did they play, and why are they creating uncertainty? The election is 37 days away. We believe we are very well prepared,” he said.
Faiz added that the confidence of police, Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and other law-enforcing agencies had increased, citing the successful and secure management of three major events in recent Bangladeshi history: the funeral of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, a large political rally marking Tarique Rahman’s return to the country, and the funeral of Khaleda Zia.
On initiatives to boost participation in the election, he said religious leaders were being engaged to encourage voters.
Around 400,000 mosques, along with numerous temples and churches across the country, were being used to spread the message.
He added that the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ network extended down to the village level, enabling rapid outreach.
The press secretary said there were no plans to separately engage local government chairmen, as no local government elections are currently under way.
