Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, intelligence sources have revealed alarming plans to sabotage the voting process by attacking storage sites containing ballot papers and other election materials. The reported scheme involves nighttime assaults using explosives and petrol bombs to destroy ballots and disrupt polling. Following these reports, the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies have issued nationwide alerts, with two security agencies recommending immediate preventive measures to the government and the commission.
According to the Election Commission, ballot papers began moving from district offices to upazila-level storage on February 8, where they are being kept in temporary storerooms that could be vulnerable to attack. Security agencies claim a banned organization has instructed its field operatives to execute violent actions, including bombings and armed assaults, to create fear and undermine voter confidence. Intelligence reports also mention plans to spread false information online to destabilize the situation.
In response, authorities have strengthened security at warehouses and transport routes, increased surveillance, and deployed armed escorts. The Election Commission has emphasized that ensuring a safe and uninterrupted voting environment remains its top priority.