Dhaka, Feb 11 (.) Erecting checkpoints at major intersections and stepping up vehicle searches, law enforcement agencies, backed by army personnel, on Wednesday ramped up patrols to tighten security across Dhaka, on the eve of the 13th parliamentary elections and the July Charter referendum.
The massive security arrangement comes as authorities seek to ensure a peaceful polling environment and deter any potential disruption by unruly, vested elements.
As such, across the capital, police, along with army personnel, were seen stopping private vehicles, checking identification documents, and engaging in routine questioning of passengers as part of their precautionary measures, reports Daily Star.
Vehicular traffic remained noticeably light since morning, with many residents having already left the city for their hometowns to cast ballots.
At Manik Mia Avenue, joint teams of police and army personnel conducted thorough vehicle inspections. Similar checkpoints and patrol units were activated in Kawran Bazar, Mirpur, Uttara, Rampura, Banani and Badda, among other neighbourhoods.
According to Motijheel Division’s Deputy Commissioner Md Harun Or Rashid, security arrangements had been reinforced at key points across the city.
“Checkpoints have been set up and patrol teams deployed at important locations to ensure security,” he said.
He added that police assigned to polling stations would be deployed accordingly, while members of the army and Border Guard Bangladesh would assist in maintaining order to help facilitate a free and fair election.
Another deputy commissioner similarly confirmed that police stations under his jurisdiction had been directed to intensify patrols and maintain strict vigilance to preserve law and order before polling begins.
Earlier, after reviewing the overall law and order situation, the EC had expressed satisfaction with security arrangements, though nonetheless cautioned that some unruly elements and “motivated groups” remained active around the polls, urging law enforcement agencies to make maximum efforts to ensure a calm and secure environment on election day and in the immediate aftermath.
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