Coast Guard deploys forces ahead of parliamentary election, referendum

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has deployed mobile teams and striking forces across coastal and riverine areas to help maintain law and order ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election and Referendum-2026.

Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Siyam-ul-Haque disclosed the deployment in a statement this morning.

“The Bangladesh Coast Guard is determined to ensure that the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and Referendum-2026 are held in a free, fair and peaceful manner,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the Coast Guard began deployment on January 18 and will remain in the field until February 14, covering a total of 28 days.

During this period, Coast Guard personnel will operate as mobile teams and striking forces in remote and key coastal and riverside areas.

As part of the ongoing operations, Coast Guard members are maintaining special surveillance, conducting regular patrols and ensuring rapid response at 39 polling centres identified as risky or sensitive.

These centres are located in Narayanganj, Matlab (North), Chandpur Sadar and Haimchar upazilas under the Dhaka zone, the statement said.

The release said the interim government has arranged the referendum alongside the national election on the same day, describing the move as aimed at forming an accountable and welfare-oriented government.

It also said the Coast Guard has been conducting awareness activities within its areas of responsibility, presenting information on the referendum to people of different ages and professions.