Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has found that over a hundred modern CCTV cameras installed at its headquarters in Dhaka are largely ineffective because trees planted by the city corporation obstruct their range. The cameras, installed at a cost of 25 million taka to strengthen security around the Election Building, cannot properly capture footage of surrounding areas. EC officials now consider the project an expensive misstep and are planning to request tree removal to restore visibility.

Environmental experts have criticized the EC’s plan, calling it a sign of administrative incompetence and alleging that the project was driven by misuse of funds. They warned that any official who authorizes tree cutting will be labeled environmentally destructive. The EC’s senior secretary stated that security remains a top priority and that obstacles will be addressed internally or through formal requests to relevant authorities.

The issue follows multiple protests and explosions near the Election Building during the 2025–2026 election period, which had already raised concerns about the EC’s security capacity. Officials fear that without proper maintenance, the new cameras could soon become as ineffective as older units.