Tension and political excitement are running high in haor-dominated Sunamganj district ahead of the national election.

To ensure smooth voting in the district’s five constituencies, the administration and the Returning Officer’s office have taken extensive security measures.

According to the district election office, Sunamganj has a total of 664 polling centers and 4,250 polling booths, of which 451 centers have been classified as high-risk.

For the first time, all polling centers in the district will be monitored through CCTV cameras while police personnel will be equipped with body cameras.

A combined force of around 18,300 members from the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Ansar has been deployed in the district.

This includes 3,500 police, 12,000 Ansar, and 1,100 army personnel, with 24 BGB platoons assigned to the district’s 12 upazilas to ensure border and internal security.

Read More: 21 BGB platoons to secure Bandarban during national election

The election in Sunamganj is witnessing a multi-party contest alongside strong independent candidates.

Particular attention is on Sunamganj-4 where expelled BNP leader Dewan Zainul Zakerin is running independently and Sunamganj-3, where some religious leaders have significant influence.

Voters are also showing keen interest in casting ballots for both the parliamentary election and the referendum, scheduled on the same day.

Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Dr Mohammad Ilias Mia said, “We are committed to conducting a free and fair election. Maximum security measures have been ensured so that voters can exercise their right to vote without fear.”

Superintendent of Police ABM Zakir Hossain added that intelligence monitoring has been intensified and mobile patrol teams will remain active to prevent any disturbances in the election areas.