Law enforcement agencies have identified more than 40 percent of the 42,000 polling centers across Bangladesh as risky ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12, 2026. According to police data submitted to the Election Commission, Dhaka’s two city corporation areas have the highest concentration of such centers, with 1,614 of 2,131 polling stations marked as risky. The assessment was based on past incidents of violence and the geographic positioning of centers.

The Dhaka divisional commissioner’s office confirmed that additional forces and CCTV cameras will be deployed at risky centers. Nationwide, over 100,000 armed forces members will assist police in maintaining election security. A total of 157,000 police officers, supported by 30,000 additional personnel, will be on duty, with 25,000 body-worn cameras in use. Outside metropolitan areas, three to four armed police officers will guard each risky center, while inside cities, four armed officers will be assigned per center.

Security preparations mark the first time armed forces are formally integrated with law enforcement for election duties, reflecting heightened caution over potential unrest.