EC finalises 22-point security plan for 13th national election

The Election Commission (EC) has finalised a 22-point security plan ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election to ensure a safe, peaceful and orderly voting process.

Law enforcement agencies will be deployed under a red, yellow, and green zoning system, based on security risk levels, according to local agency reports.

The decision came at a preparatory meeting held on Sunday (November 9) at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin and attended by heads of law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Under the plan, agencies have been directed to conduct threat assessments, prepare deployment plans, strengthen intelligence gathering, and share information with the EC on a regular basis.

They have also been asked to take pre-emptive measures against potential unrest and swift action against any subversive activities.

The EC instructed the agencies to identify high-risk polling centres, seize illegal weapons, prevent the use of black money, and ensure the security of postal ballots. It also ordered the transfer of officers who have been posted in the same area for an extended period.

Additionally, measures will be taken to counter cyber threats, including AI-based misinformation, voice cloning, and online harassment, particularly against women and minority groups.

The Commission said the plan aims to ensure a secure and credible election environment across the country.