Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has directed the chiefs of the three military services to ensure “foolproof security and a peaceful atmosphere” for the upcoming national election, scheduled for the first half of February.
The directive followed a crucial meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna this evening where the three service chiefs briefed the Chief Adviser on their comprehensive preparations, including a massive deployment of armed forces personnel.
Massive Deployment Planned
To maintain law and order during the election, a significant contingent of military personnel is set to be deployed nationwide. The confirmed deployment figures include:
- 90,000 personnel from the Bangladesh Army.
- More than 2,500 personnel from the Bangladesh Navy.
- 1,500 personnel from the Bangladesh Air Force.
Additionally, one service company will be stationed in each upazila across the country to assist law enforcement agencies like the police and Ansar members.
Meeting Highlights and Directives
The service chiefs—Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan—met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at 7:00pm. National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman was also present.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus emphasized the dedication of the forces, stating, “Over the past 15 months, members of the armed forces have worked with great dedication to uphold law and order. The upcoming election must be held under a blanket of flawless security.”
He reiterated the interim government’s commitment, declaring, “The interim government is committed to ensuring that the election in the first half of February is free, fair, impartial, peaceful, and festive.”
The meeting, which concluded around 8:19pm, was initiated by the chiefs themselves to discuss the military’s role in the polls, an agenda which had been anticipated.
Armed Forces Day Invitation
During the session, the chiefs of the three forces extended an invitation to the Chief Adviser to attend the Armed Forces Day celebration, scheduled for 21 November.
This meeting occurs as the Election Commission continues its preparations for conducting the 13th national election. The deployment of the armed forces is aimed at ensuring stability and security during this critical electoral period.
