Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) AKM Shahidur Rahman stated on Wednesday that there is no inherent security risk for the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election. However, he issued a stern warning that risks will certainly exist for those attempting to disrupt the electoral process.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Capital High School grounds in Sherabhangla Nagar, the RAB chief emphasized that the elite force is prepared to take the strictest possible action against any attempts at violence or electoral malpractice.
“The risk is for those who want to disrupt the election—those who intend to cast fake votes, snatch ballot boxes, or create violence,” AKM Shahidur Rahman told reporters. “We will show no leniency and will act strictly in accordance with the law.”
Massive Security Deployment
The briefing was organized to outline countrywide security measures for the national election and the Referendum-2026, both scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday. AKM Shahidur Rahman noted that this year features the largest-ever deployment of law enforcement agencies in the country’s history, bolstered by superior technological capabilities.
Key details regarding the security framework include:
- Integrated Force: RAB is working in coordination with the Army, Navy, Air Force, BGB, Coast Guard, Police, and Ansar.
- Static & Mobile Teams: Security personnel have been deployed as both static forces at polling centers and as mobile striking teams.
- Focus on ‘Important’ Centers: Rather than using the term “risky,” the DG referred to sensitive locations as “highly important” centers, ensuring they receive maximum surveillance.
- Restriction on Outsiders: Per Election Commission guidelines, no unauthorized outsiders will be allowed near polling centers.
Pre-Election Success in Arms Recovery
The RAB DG highlighted that operations to maintain order began long before the announcement of the election schedule. Over the past two months, significant quantities of illegal weapons have been recovered.
“Yesterday, we recovered a notable amount of arms in Cumilla, and drives are continuing across various regions today,” he added.
A Three-Phase Security Plan
The elite force has divided its strategy into three phases: pre-election, election day, and post-election. AKM Shahidur Rahman expressed satisfaction with the pre-election phase, noting that except for a few isolated incidents, the environment has remained stable.
Teams have been deployed across all 64 districts and eight metropolitan areas. The DG concluded by assuring the public that adequate measures are in place to maintain law and order even after the results are announced, ensuring a peaceful transition.
