The Bangladesh Coast Guard has launched special surveillance operations in Sandwip’s coastal and island areas to ensure security ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum 2026. At a press briefing on Thursday, Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Mohammad Ziaul Haque announced that 353 skilled personnel have been deployed considering Sandwip’s unique geographic position. The special deployment began on January 18 and will continue until February 14.

According to the briefing, Coast Guard teams will work continuously to safeguard polling centers across the mainland, river routes, and isolated islands. Strong patrol units will operate round the clock to facilitate the safe transport of election materials and voter movement. Drone surveillance will be used in remote and sensitive areas to prevent sabotage. Rear Admiral Haque emphasized maintaining peace and order in coastal regions and ensuring a fear-free environment for voters to exercise their rights.

The Coast Guard is coordinating with local administration to sustain public enthusiasm for the referendum organized by the interim government. Its intelligence wing remains alert to prevent illegal intrusion or disorder through waterways.