Six-tier security plan puts Rangpur on high alert for election

As Rangpur division prepares for the national election, an unprecedented security operation has turned the region into a tightly guarded zone, with law enforcement agencies rolling out a six-tier security plan to ensure peaceful voting.

From char areas and remote villages to busy city centres, more than 4,500 polling centres across 33 constituencies are now under close surveillance.

Of these, 2,561 centres have been identified as risky and 827 as highly risky, prompting authorities to deploy additional forces, technology-driven monitoring and rapid-response teams.

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Police officials say intelligence-led policing lies at the heart of the security strategy. Body-worn cameras will be used by police members at hundreds of polling centres, with live footage monitored by senior officials. CCTV cameras have also been installed at most centres marked vulnerable based on past incidents of violence, vandalism or intimidation.

“Our objective is simple — voters must feel safe and confident when they come to cast their ballots,” said Superintendent of Rangpur Police Marufat Hossain, while briefing at a parade at the Rangpur Police Lines.

“So far, the election environment remains calm, and we are determined to keep it that way,” he said.

In Rangpur district alone, voting will take place at 873 polling centres, of which 216 have been categorised as risky.

Police patrols, mobile teams and striking forces will operate around the clock, while intelligence officers keep a discreet watch inside and outside polling centres.

Beyond the police, a coordinated force of the Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), RAB, Ansar and VDP has been mobilised to reinforce security.

The Army’s 66 Infantry Division has kept its commando group on standby, ready to be deployed by helicopter to remote or hard-to-reach polling centres if unrest breaks out.

BGB has also stepped up its presence across Rangpur division, deploying around 3,000 members in four districts—Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat and Gaibandha.

Seventy-four platoons are operating from 26 base camps, conducting patrols, setting up check-posts and acting as mobile and striking forces.

“We are paying special attention to risky centres, especially in char areas and densely populated zones,” said Lt Col SM Shafiqul Rahman, Rangpur sector commander of BGB.

Dog squads, intelligence surveillance and search operations have been intensified as part of preventive measures, he added.

Election officials say Rangpur division has 13,454,456 voters, including a significant number of women and first-time voters.

Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Enamul Ahsan said arrangements have been made at 4,988 booths to ensure smooth voting, while 44 candidates from different political parties and independent platforms are contesting in Rangpur district alone.

Law enforcement sources said that centres were marked risky after considering factors such as previous incidents of arson, clashes, lack of boundary walls, proximity to influential political figures and geographical challenges.

Deputy inspector General (DIG) of Rangpur Aminul Islam said police would maintain the highest level of vigilance throughout the election period.

“Every risky centre will have additional police deployment, and body-worn cameras will ensure transparency and accountability,” he said.