Army vows neutral role, expands deployment to ensure free and fair election

The Bangladesh Army has pledged to take all necessary steps, within the law, to help ensure a free and fair election and referendum, according to Brig Gen Dewan Mohammad Monzur Hossain, director of the Military Operations Directorate at Army Headquarters.

Speaking at a media briefing on the “in aid of civil power” operation at Gulistan’s Roller Skating Complex in Dhaka, Monzur said troop deployment was increased from 35,000 to 50,000 on January 10 and further expanded to one lakh on January 20.

The increased presence and patrols aim to restore public confidence so that voters can go to polling centres “without fear”.

Since January 20, troops have been conducting between 2,000 and 2,500 patrols daily, running joint operations with police, Rab and the BGB, and operating from 544 temporary camps across districts, upazilas, metropolitan areas and checkpoints, Brig Gen Dewan said.

He explained that the army has been supporting the civil administration in maintaining law and order over the past one and a half years, often performing policing duties. Troops have been equipped with non-lethal weapons and riot-control gear, with additional training and equipment provided.

Over the past 14 days, forces recovered around 150 firearms along with ammunition and bomb-making materials.

Overall, the army has recovered 10,152 firearms, 2.91 lakh rounds of ammunition, and detained 22,282 “identified criminals and terrorists”.

For remote and risky areas, military helicopters and watercraft will be kept ready to transport election officials and materials.

At high-risk centres, police will use body-worn cameras, while law enforcement agencies will deploy drones and other tools to ensure rapid response.

Brig Gen Dewan identified social media and artificial intelligence as major challenges. “If someone has a person’s face, they can create anything,” he said.

He stressed that the army’s role would remain neutral, following rules of engagement and escalating force only if necessary.

Asked how long troops would remain deployed after the election, he said it was “the government’s decision”.

He added that troops would remain ready until directed otherwise.

On mob violence, he said the public must hear the message that the government, the Election Commission, the civil administration, law enforcement agencies and the armed forces are determined to hold a credible election.

Asked about threats linked to a political party whose activities were banned and which is not taking part in the election, he said he would not discuss political issues, but added that the armed forces -- especially the army -- have completed preparations to prevent violence or sabotage.

Asked about a TIB report that mentioned more than 600 incidents of violence and over 100 deaths, he said any violence and casualty was “unwanted”.

“If we were not there, would it have increased or decreased? We need to understand the realities. And I want this realisation to spread among everyone through you. We are a densely populated country, a country of many people. Even after deploying one lakh troops, it is, in truth, still insufficient. There are remote areas and high-risk centres. We cannot be physically present everywhere. But there has been no lack of effort on our part.”

Earlier, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman visited the army camp at the National Stadium in Gulistan, where he emphasised neutrality and professionalism in election duties. He also held meetings with senior military officials, civil administration representatives and law enforcement agencies to strengthen inter-agency coordination.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), similar meetings have been held across divisions and districts, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Cumilla, Rangpur, Bogura, Barishal, Jashore, Cox’s Bazar, and Sylhet to ensure peaceful and credible elections.