Dhaka, Bangladesh
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has emphasized the need for “complete security” at polling centres ahead of the country’s general elections, scheduled for February 2026. The interim government head stressed that the polls must be “free, fair, and peaceful” to ensure public confidence in the electoral process, state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported on Sunday.
Speaking at a high-level meeting on Saturday at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka, Yunus said no compromises should be made when it comes to election security. “We must guarantee complete security at all polling centres, no matter the cost. Our goal is to make the February election the most free, fair, and peaceful in the country’s history,” he stated.
The remarks come as Bangladesh prepares for one of its most closely watched elections, with both domestic and international observers expected to monitor the polls. Political tensions have been rising in recent months, and ensuring a smooth voting process has become a top priority for the interim government.
At the meeting, Yunus’ Special Assistant on Telecommunications and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Affairs, Faiz Tayeb Ahmed, revealed that the government is in the final stages of procuring 40,000 body cameras for use by law enforcement officers during the elections. According to Ahmed, equipping police with body cameras will enhance transparency, deter misconduct, and strengthen public trust in the security forces.
“The use of body cameras by police will significantly improve security at voting booths, providing a clear and accountable record of events on election day,” Ahmed said.
Election-related violence and irregularities have been recurring concerns in Bangladesh’s political landscape. In previous polls, clashes between rival party supporters, allegations of vote rigging, and intimidation at polling stations have sparked criticism both at home and abroad. The interim administration hopes that stricter security measures, combined with technological tools such as body cameras, will prevent a repeat of such incidents.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from political analysts and civil society groups. While many have welcomed the move as a step toward greater accountability, some have cautioned that the success of these measures will depend on how effectively they are implemented and monitored.
International organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union, have previously urged Bangladesh to uphold democratic standards in its elections, calling for inclusive participation, impartial administration, and respect for civil liberties.
With less than a year to go before the February 2026 vote, the interim government is expected to roll out further measures to ensure transparency and public safety. For Yunus, the stakes are high: delivering an election that meets global standards could bolster Bangladesh’s democratic credibility, while failure to do so could invite domestic unrest and international criticism.
