Security arrangements have been strengthened across 39 parliamentary constituencies in Rajshahi Division ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum to be held tomorrow.
The divisional administration said all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the polls are held in a free, fair, and peaceful manner.
Speaking at a press conference at the Divisional Commissioner’s office today, Divisional Commissioner Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid emphasized that elections and referendums are vital processes in a democratic state.
He said the administration, law enforcement agencies, and related bodies are working closely to allow voters to cast their ballots safely in a festive atmosphere. Any attempts at violence, disorder, or sabotage will be dealt with strictly.
Rajshahi Division comprises eight districts, 67 upazilas, one city corporation, 62 municipalities, and 565 unions, with a population of around 20.3 million. The final number of registered voters in the division is 16,377,096. Out of 5,504 polling centers, 1,767 have been designated as important and will receive additional security.
For the election and referendum, 218 executive magistrates and 39 judicial magistrates will be deployed.
Law enforcement deployment totals 104,066 personnel, including 10,000 from the Army, 4,123 from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), 13,796 from Range Police, 2,405 from Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP), 1,006 from the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and 72,736 from Ansar.
On average, 2,668 personnel will be deployed per constituency. CCTV cameras will be installed at 5,266 polling centers, and 2,318 body-worn cameras will be used.
To maintain law and order, intensified drives have been conducted to recover illegal firearms. Between January 1, 2025, and February 10, 2026, the Army recovered 56 firearms, while the Rajshahi Range Police recovered 74 firearms and 433 locally made weapons.
During the same period, 4,594 licensed firearms were deposited. Intelligence surveillance, patrols, and checkpoints have been increased during the election period.
A divisional-level core committee remains active, with regular coordination meetings held at district and upazila levels. A Joint Operation Cell has been functioning at the Divisional Commissioner’s office since February 10 and will continue through the post-election period. A media cell is also providing regular updates.
The administration expressed confidence that, with public cooperation, a peaceful and credible election and referendum will be conducted in all 39 constituencies of Rajshahi Division.
