The government has decided to deploy law enforcement forces in two phases to ensure that the 13th national elections are held in a free, fair, peaceful and impartial manner.

The initiative aims to strengthen security before, during and after polling across the country, said a circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday (January 6).

Under the plan, police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar and VDP, and the Coast Guard will be deployed to maintain law and order during the elections. Members of the armed forces will also be deployed “In Aid to Civil Power” to assist the civil administration.

The circular said that in the first phase, the law enforcement personnel currently deployed in the field will remain in place. In the second phase, vote-centric deployment will be carried out, with members of the forces remaining on duty for seven days from February 8 to 14.

To maintain peace and order in election areas, the armed forces, BGB, Coast Guard, RAB, police, APBN and Ansar Battalion will operate as mobile and striking forces. BGB, RAB, APBN and Ansar Battalion will also perform district-, upazila- and police station-based duties, while the Coast Guard will be responsible for security in coastal areas.

All deployed forces will report to the respective Returning Officers and carry out their duties in line with their instructions. Mobile and striking forces may be reorganised if necessary.

To enhance coordination, law and order coordination cells will be formed at district and upazila levels, comprising representatives from the armed forces, BGB, Coast Guard, RAB, police and Ansar VDP.

The circular also said that a special team will be formed under the emergency service number 999 and linked to the coordination cells to ensure round-the-clock service during the elections and referendum. These teams will relay information directly to the Ministry of Home Affairs and local coordination cells for prompt action on complaints or intelligence inputs.

Additionally, depending on security risks, the armed forces, BGB, Coast Guard and RAB may be deployed at polling stations in coordination with district- and upazila-level law and order coordination cells, alongside police and Ansar VDP.

To ensure a fair electoral process, instructions have been issued to recover illegal arms, arrest criminals, conduct intelligence-based area operations, and set up joint check posts and search operations across the country.