Govt starts deploying armed forces to hold 12th JS polls peacefully

Army deployment began on Wednesday in 62 districts to ensure peaceful holding of the 12th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) elections slated for January 7 as the deployment will continue till January 10, according to an official release.

A release issued by the Defence Ministry stated that the armed forces members will perform duties jointly with the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) in the 47 bordering upazilas.

Apart from their sole deployment in 45 upazilas, the BGB members will also be accompanied by the Coast Guards in four coastal upazilas.

Bangladesh Navy will perform duties in a total of 19 upazilas including the coastal districts.

The upazilas are Bhola Sadar, Borhan Uddin, Daulatkhan, Tajumuddin, Lalmohan, Char Fashion and Manpura under Bhola district, Sandwip of Chattogram district, Hatiya of Noakhali district, Teknaf, Kutubdia and Maheshkhali of Cox's Bazar district, Barguna Sadar, Amtali, Taltali, Bamna, Betagi and Patharghata of Barguna district and Mongla of Bagerhat district.

More than 3,000 naval personnel and six warships have been deployed aiming to aid the civil power till January 10.

Bangladesh Air Force is also set to provide necessary helicopter assistance to polling stations in remote hilly areas along with electoral assistance in case of emergencies, the release added.

Special cells have been set up jointly by representatives of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies across the country, which will remain operational till January 10, 2024, reports BSS.