No security threats surrounding general election, says DMP chief Sazzat

"The DMP is working with the utmost professionalism and sincerity to hold the election in a free, fair, impartial, and festive atmosphere," he says

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali says there are no threats of violence surrounding the upcoming 13th parliamentary election.

Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Sazzat said a total of 25,000 specially trained police personnel will be on duty for the polls.

Seeking cooperation from all to ensure security for the election, he added: "The DMP is working with the utmost professionalism and sincerity to hold the election in a free, fair, impartial, and festive atmosphere."

Noting that there are a total of 2,131 polling stations in the capital, he said: "The centres have been divided into different categories depending on the number of voters and the risk associated with them. Four police personnel will be deployed at 1,614 'important' centres each, and three police personnel will be deployed at each of 517 'general' centres."

Sazzat said body cameras will be used by the police personnel on duty at most of these important centres.

"In order to maintain law and order, 510 mobile teams and 180 striking teams will be in the field. In addition, eight control rooms and four special control rooms have been set up in the eight (police) divisions of Dhaka Metropolitan City."

The Dhaka police chief said that, in addition to the deployment of the Special Reserve Force, Bomb Disposal Unit, Dog Squad, crime scene vans and armed police, checkposts will be set up and joint operations conducted with other law enforcing agencies to deal with emergency situations.

He added that the 25,000 personnel have been trained on how to perform their duties in accordance with the election code of conduct, what to do in case of voter fraud, and what to do to ensure the security of ballot papers and boxes. They will play a positive role in the election, he said.

Due to the transportation difficulties in Kamrangirchar, Badda's Satakul, and Berait areas, 37 centres have been identified as “risky” and seven police personnel have been deployed at each of them.

"The main responsibility of the police in the upcoming national elections will be to maintain the overall law and order in the election area, ensure a peaceful environment inside the polling centres, provide security for voting, transportation of election-related materials, ensure the safety of election officials, employees, and candidates, and create opportunities for voters to exercise their voting rights without any hindrance."

When asked if there was any threat motivating so many security measures, he replied: "No, there is no threat. The election will be peaceful, safe, and risk-free with the cooperation of all."

Addressing city residents, Sazzat said: "You should come to the polling stations without worry or fear, and in an orderly manner to exercise your civil rights. We are determined to overcome all the controversies and taint of the past and give the nation an acceptable and festive election."