Authorities mobilise massive border guard force to safeguard national polls and referendum amid regional tensions. Border Guard Bangladesh deployed over 37,000 personnel across 489 upazilas to secure the 13th national parliament election and referendum on 12 February. The move aims to prevent unrest and ensure fair voting in all 300 constituencies. Officials cited strict border surveillance and rapid response teams as key measures. This Bangladesh election security initiative underscores the need for stability in a nation prone to political volatility. With South Asia watching, effective border guard election duties could influence regional confidence in democratic processes, especially given past election disputes in neighbouring countries.
BGB Deployment Details
Border Guard Bangladesh launched the BGB deployment on 29 January to bolster Bangladesh election security. The force covers 489 of 495 upazilas, with independent operations in 61 border areas. Each upazila receives two to four platoons for mobile and static duties.
In Dhaka sector, 134 platoons operate from 42 temporary camps across 51 constituencies in nine districts and four city corporations. Battalions involved include Dhaka (5 and 26), Narayanganj (62), and Gazipur (63). BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui stated that personnel received special training and briefings to handle situations impartially.
Equipment includes body-worn cameras, night vision devices, metal detectors, armoured personnel carriers, and advanced communication systems. A special monitoring cell at battalion and sector headquarters oversees operations round the clock.
Dhaka Sector Commander Colonel SM Abul Ehsan said: “Each upazila is expected to have between two and four platoons on duty. In addition, the country’s entire 4,427-kilometre border will remain under strict surveillance throughout the election period.”
The BGB deployment integrates with broader forces. Total security personnel exceed 900,000, including 100,000 from the army, 150,000 police, and 576,000 Ansar-VDP members. BGB contributes 38,000 to this effort, focusing on national polls Bangladesh.
National Polls Bangladesh Security Measures
For national polls Bangladesh, BGB tightened security in high-risk zones. The entire 4,427-kilometre border falls under surveillance to curb infiltration or sabotage. On election day, patrols, checkpoints, and vehicle searches will target potential threats.
Specialised units enhance border guard election duties. Rapid Action Team, Quick Response Force, and Helicopter Unit stand ready for emergencies. A K-9 Dog Squad conducts searches, while 418 drones provide aerial oversight, with 100 allocated to BGB.
BGB authorities emphasised neutrality, adhering to government and Election Commission directives. They aim to create a level playing field for parties and candidates.
Home Ministry issued a circular on 7 January directing the BGB deployment in 489 upazilas to ensure free, fair, and peaceful voting. Earlier, 1,151 platoons mobilised nationwide for law and order.
Optical surveillance bolsters transparency. Police deploy 46,000 bodycams, and all 42,000 polling centres come under CCTV coverage.
BGB officials expressed confidence in a festive atmosphere through combined efforts of agencies and citizens.
Border Guard Election Duties in Focus
Border guard election duties extend to three districts including Dhaka, where five battalions entered the field from 29 January. This targets free and impartial voting in urban centres.
Personnel perform mobile patrols and striking force roles in 300 constituencies, prioritising risk areas. Drones and body-worn cameras ensure accountability.
BGB DG Siddiqui noted: “Arrangements have been made to use BGB helicopters, quick-response forces, rapid-action teams, specialised K-9 dog squad, drones, and body-worn cameras to deal with emergencies.”
This Bangladesh election security framework addresses past concerns over violence during polls.
Background
Bangladesh has held 12 national elections since 1973, with the 12th in 2024 marred by allegations of irregularities. The 13th follows a student-led uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024. Awami League faces a ban, while Bangladesh Nationalist Party leads contenders. The referendum addresses the July National Charter, proposed amid political reforms. Security deployments have scaled up from previous polls, where BGB handled similar duties but with fewer personnel.
What’s Next
Election Commission set campaigning from 22 January to 10 February. Postal voting runs until 12 February. On poll day, BGB will intensify checkpoints and searches. Post-election, forces demobilise by 15 February, pending results. Observers expect results announcement by 13 February.
Authorities anticipate peaceful national polls Bangladesh, but vigilance remains high given regional dynamics.
This comprehensive Bangladesh election security operation positions BGB as a cornerstone for credible outcomes.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 31st, 2026
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