FM MIZANUR RAHAMAN, Ctg

About one-third of the 1,965 polling centres in Chattogram have been identified as highly risky ahead of the national election scheduled for February 12, according to security forces and intelligence assessments.

Police have classified 655 polling centres – both in city and district areas -- as highly important after assessing previous records and overall security risks.

Additional police forces and enhanced security measures will be deployed at these centres to ensure a free and fair election, officials said.

Polling centres have been categorised into three groups -- general, important, and highly important. Police officials said the term “highly important” is used instead of “high-risk” for technical reasons.

According to a list prepared by the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP), there are 607 polling centres under four city constituencies and parts of Hathazari, spread across 16 police stations. Of these, 310 centres have been marked as “highly important”.

The list shows that Khulshi has the highest number of high-risk centres in the port city, with 44 of its 47 polling centres classified as highly important.

No centres under the Port Police Station have been marked high-risk. All 23 centres under Akbar Shah Police Station fall into the highly important category.

Other areas with high-risk centres include Kotwali (38 of 52), Sadarghat (15 of 23), Chawkbazar (4 of 16), Bakalia (13 of 39), Chandgaon (27 of 56), Panchlaish (19 of 32), Bayezid Bostami (18 of 56), Double Mooring (18 of 48), Halishahar (32 of 42), Pahartali (20 of 28), EPZ (13 of 31), Patenga (7 of 25), and Karnaphuli (19 of 47).

Meanwhile, under Chattogram district police, 345 of the 1,358 polling centres have been marked as high-risk.

These include three centres in Bhujpur, 24 in Sandwip, 48 in Sitakunda, 30 in Hathazari, 21 in Raozan, six in South Rangunia, 25 in Boalkhali, 24 in Patiya, 13 in Anwara, 42 in Chandanaish, 68 in Satkania-Lohagara, and 41 in Banshkhali.

A circular issued by the home ministry on January 6 stated that each highly important polling centre will be guarded by four armed police personnel and one armed Ansar member under an armed section commander.

Additionally, one armed Ansar member will be assigned to protect the presiding officer, along with one armed assistant section commander, four female Ansar members with batons, and six male Ansar members with batons.

Members of the Armed Forces, BGB, Coast Guard (in coastal areas), Rab, police, Armed Police Battalion, and Ansar Battalion will also be deployed to maintain law and order.

The circular said the police commissioner, in consultation with the returning officer, may adjust the number of deployed personnel depending on the situation.

Law enforcement agencies will remain deployed from February 8 to February 14, while the Armed Forces will also stay in the field for six days.

Contacted, Chattogram Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ahsan Habib Palash said special security measures, including the use of body cameras, have already been arranged at highly important polling centres to prevent any untoward incidents on election day.