BGB to deploy 38 platoons in Dhaka region for Feb 12 polls

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) announced on Wednesday that 38 platoons will be deployed under its Dhaka Battalion (5 BGB) to help maintain law and order and ensure a peaceful environment during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum scheduled for February 12.

Lt Col Taimur Hasan Khan, commander of the Dhaka Battalion, briefed the media, saying BGB will remain deployed nationwide alongside its border protection duties, aiming to support a free, fair, impartial and acceptable election.

Under directives from the home affairs adviser and the BGB director general, 5 BGB will deploy 11 platoons in five constituencies under Dhaka North City Corporation, six platoons in Savar and Dhamrai upazilas, 13 platoons in four constituencies in Faridpur district, and eight platoons in three constituencies in Manikganj district.

Lt Col Taimur said BGB’s specialised K‑9 dog squad will also be deployed for search operations, with the battalion operating from 12 base camps.

BGB will act as a mobile and striking force, independently or jointly, to ensure voting and post‑election activities are completed peacefully.

To allow voters to exercise their rights without fear, BGB will coordinate with other law enforcement agencies and continue patrols. Emergency response units -- including a rapid action team, quick response force, and helicopter support -- will remain ready to reach incident spots quickly.

Lt Col Taimur added that BGB will use body‑worn cameras, night vision devices, metal detectors, armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and other modern equipment during the election.

A monitoring cell has been formed at battalion headquarters to oversee the situation round the clock.