After SPs, govt reshuffles 527 police station chiefs in pre-election lottery

The home ministry oversees the second round of lottery-based assignments as part of preparations before the announcement of the election schedule

The government has reassigned the officers-in-charge (OCs) of 527 police stations across the country through a lottery in the latest shake-up of key law-enforcement positions ahead of the 13th national election.

The draw was held on Tuesday at the home ministry as part of preparations before the announcement of the election schedule, according to Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam.

The government had earlier used the same method to reshuffle superintendents of police (SPs).

Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury had previously said that both SPs and OCs would be assigned through lottery ahead of the polls.

A senior officer from the Dhaka Range said the Police Headquarters had requested a list before reallocating OC posts. The list included "honest" and "competent" officers as well as those who had not been involved in election duties during the tenure of the previous government. However, the 110 police stations under the metropolitan police forces were not part of the list.

The Election Commission is expected to announce the election schedule in December, with the polls expected to take place in early February next year.