BCG deployed to ensure security ahead of election, referendum in coastal areas

Bangladesh Coast Guard has been deployed in coastal areas to ensure peace and order ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election andReferendum 2026.

Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq, media officer of the Coast Guard, disclosed the information on Saturday at a press briefing at Loudob area under Dacope upazila in Khulna.

Since its inception, the Bangladesh Coast Guard has played a vital role in ensuring security across the country's vast maritime, coastal, and riverine areas.

"Through various operations to safeguard lives and property, the force has earned the trust of coastal communities," he said.

The Coast Guard is determined to ensure the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and referendum 2026, scheduled for 12 February, is held in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

The Coast Guard has been deployed from 18 January to 14 February 2026, for a total of 28 days.

During this period, Coast Guard members will be responsible for maintaining security at polling centres located in remote and strategically important coastal and riverine areas under their jurisdiction.

As part of these efforts, Coast Guard personnel under the West Zone will perform duties at 66 polling centres across 16 unions in designated electoral areas of Dacope and Koyra upazilas in Khulna-1 and Khulna-6 constituencies, and Mathbaria upazila in Pirojpur-3 constituency.

Special intelligence surveillance, drone monitoring, regular patrols and necessary legal actions will be carried out in risky and sensitive areas to create a festive and secure voting environment.

Alongside maintaining law and order during the election, the Bangladesh Coast Guard remains alert and fully prepared to ensure citizens' voting rights and to prevent any form of violence.

The force will also continue to assist other law enforcement agencies and the local administration to ensure the overall security of the lives and property of people of all religions and communities in areas under the West Zone.

Bangladesh Coast Guard reiterated its commitment to the nation to ensure a free, fair and neutral election and vowed to remain ever vigilant in fulfilling its duties.