Published : 14 Dec 2025, 02:23 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 02:52 PM
In the wake of recent attacks targeting candidates and election facilities, the Election Commission (EC) has instructed police to beef up security at election offices nationwide, including those of the chief election commissioner, commissioners, the EC secretary, and returning officers.
The directive, issued on Saturday, was sent to the inspector general of police and relevant authorities to ensure heightened protection ahead of the general election and referendum scheduled for Feb 12.
A day after the schedule was announced on Thursday, a potential candidate, Sharif Osman bin Hadi, was shot in Dhaka and the Lakshmipur election office was targeted in an arson attack.
An EC official, asking not to be named, said the measures include stronger police escort for election commissioners and the secretary, armed guards for returning officers in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna, and boosted security at all election offices nationwide.
Ahead of the security directive, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed held discussions with the home advisor, the chief advisor’s special assistant, the home secretary, the police chief, and the DMP commissioner on Friday and Saturday.
“We have been in regular contact with them,” he said.
He said the decision was taken following the shooting of Hadi, arson attacks at election offices in Lakshmipur and Mathbaria, and concerns over law and order.
He urged political parties, potential candidates, and stakeholders to cooperate with EC measures.
They have also been advised to remove posters early to comply with electoral guidelines.
“Everyone’s cooperation is needed at this crucial time. Security conditions will gradually improve,” Akhtar said.
