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attended by the three service chiefs and senior civil and law enforcement officials, the army chief said the armed forces were there to support the civil administration in ensuring a secure electoral process.

Waker said two considerations prompted the joint presence of the three service chiefs: to ensure the administration receives all necessary assistance from the armed services, and to send a clear message to voters and the nation that the authorities are serious and capable of holding a “beautiful” election.

“We are fully capable of conducting fair elections,” he said. “Everyone -- the government, the Election Commission, the police, the army, the navy, and the air force -- is committed to holding the polls. There is no scope for the elections not taking place.”

He said the armed forces would ensure robust patrolling to cover any shortfall after police are assigned to static duties, urging the civil administration, particularly deputy commissioners, to provide transport support so patrols can continue uninterrupted.

Warning about potential troublemakers, Waker said some criminals may attempt to create disorder in constituencies by instigating violence on election day, blocking voting, or preventing voters from reaching polling stations.

He said he expected the forces to take action against such offenders, including detention, and called on the authorities to ensure legal measures are taken against those involved.

“If criminals are detained and handed over but no legal steps are taken, it will be counterproductive,” Waker said.

Referring to the use of technology, the army chief said body-worn cameras, drones, and the Surokkha apps would make law and order management easier, including through live monitoring of activities at polling stations.

Waker said discussions had been held with the EC on monitoring financial transactions through bKash and limiting such transactions to prevent undue influence on the polls. He added that engagement was ongoing with the commission on restricting misinformation and propaganda, including content generated using artificial intelligence.

Describing claims that minorities were being targeted as “exaggerated information” and “not true,” Waker said special attention was still needed to ensure minority voters can leave their homes, cast their votes, and return safely.

At the programme, Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan said the navy aims to create a safe environment in which domestic and foreign observers can operate freely during the polls.

Nazmul said the navy is using drones, has deployed body-worn cameras in some areas, and, for the first time, has collected non-lethal weapons and riot-control gear from police.

He noted that remote and char areas remain challenging due to poor communication systems and said some locations are known as safe havens for miscreants, requiring increased patrolling.

The navy chief also said social media and artificial intelligence have emerged as major challenges, adding that personnel have been trained and instructed so they are not influenced or misled into making wrong decisions.

Air Chief Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan said the air force is fully prepared to support the polls, including transporting ballot boxes, personnel, and logistics to remote areas, particularly in hill tracts and coastal regions.

He said the air force would remain ready to provide air transport, casualty evacuation, and medical evacuation if needed, noting that air force personnel will also be deployed directly in the field alongside the army during the election.

He said specialised UAVs would provide live feeds to the Election Commission and the air command operations centre, while helicopters and transport aircraft would remain on standby, with assets positioned in Dhaka, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, and Jashore.

The air chief emphasised that all deployed personnel must maintain a visible presence, remain alert before and after voting, and ensure strict neutrality while on duty.