Flawless security measures taken for elections: DMP Commissioner

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali announced on Monday that comprehensive and flawless security arrangements have been taken to hold the 13th national parliamentary election and concurrent referendum on February 12 in a free, fair, peaceful, and festive environment, with zero tolerance for any security risks.

Speaking at a press conference at the DMP Media Center on Minto Road, he warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt law and order.

He detailed the security setup for Dhaka's metropolitan area, which includes 2,131 polling stations. These have been classified into two categories based on location, voter numbers, and security needs. 

Of these, 1,614 critical polling stations will have at least four police personnel each, while 517 general stations will have three.

To enable real-time oversight, body-worn cameras will be deployed at polling stations, with live monitoring conducted through control rooms. 

Additionally, 180 striking teams and 510 mobile teams will patrol outside polling centers.

Eight general control rooms and four special control rooms will operate across DMP's eight divisions. Special Reserve Forces will be positioned at key locations, ready for rapid deployment under senior officials' supervision if required. 

SWAT teams, bomb disposal units, dog squads, crime scene vans, and mounted police units will remain on standby for any emergencies.

Highlighting the significance of the upcoming polls, the Commissioner stressed that this election is crucial for the nation on multiple fronts. 

He reaffirmed the police force's commitment to delivering a credible, meaningful, and widely accepted election, free from the controversies that marred past uses of police in elections.

With unwavering resolve, he said the police stand ready to honour the sacrifices and bloodshed that have paved the way for a peaceful democratic process. 

He pledged that officers would discharge their duties with the utmost professionalism and absolute impartiality, establishing a new benchmark for future elections.

The Commissioner urged Dhaka residents to participate without fear, encouraging them to visit polling stations in an orderly manner to exercise their democratic rights.

He noted that preparations began well before the election schedule was finalised, including specialised training for approximately 25,000 DMP personnel to strengthen their capabilities for election duties. 

All officers have been directed to act impartially to guarantee a free, fair, and transparent process.

Addressing a question, he stated there are no security threats surrounding this year's national election and referendum, describing the current law and order situation as better than ever.

Among those present at the press conference were DMP Additional Police Commissioner (Admin) Md. Sarwar (Services), Additional IG; Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S. N. Md. Nazrul Islam (Services); Deputy Police Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) Muhammad Talebur Rahman; and Assistant Police Commissioner Arifa Akhtar Priti.