The Bangladesh Armed Forces have requested permission from the Election Commission (EC) to enter polling stations freely and exercise judicial authority under the Mobile Court Act during the upcoming national elections. The proposal was raised at a recent inter-agency meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Nasir Uddin, but no immediate decision was made. Currently, under electoral law, security personnel may enter polling centers only with the presiding officer’s consent.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud confirmed that the government has already deployed the armed forces nationwide with limited judicial powers until February 28. However, he noted that the Representation of the People Order (RPO) restricts such authority to executive magistrates. The EC will revisit the issue in a follow-up meeting. Other security agencies, including the Navy and Air Force, raised logistical concerns, while the EC emphasized neutrality and swift action against electoral offenses.

The discussion reflects broader efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible election amid concerns over potential unrest, sabotage, and misuse of money. Final decisions on the armed forces’ expanded powers are expected after further consultations.