A Correspondent:
Thakurgaon: A total of 21 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed in Thakurgaon-1 constituency to ensure a peaceful by-election slated for October 29.
Colonel Md Suruj Mia, BGB sector commander in Thakurgaon, told reporters on Monday that the personnel would work as mobile and striking forces to prevent any untoward incidents during the election.
Drones, body-worn cameras and K-9 units have also been placed to strengthen security, while intelligence surveillance and patrols have been intensified.
Colonel Suruj Mia said BGB personnel have been deployed in the constituency since Sunday across 22 unions and one municipality under three upazilas.
He said the force remained on high alert to prevent unrest and violence and ensure voters could cast their votes without fear.
The BGB is also working with the local administration and other law enforcement agencies to ensure a level playing field for all candidates, allowing them to campaign without obstruction, he added.
Surveillance and patrols along the border have also been strengthened to prevent criminal activities, including smuggling, illegal border crossings and possible acts of sabotage.
He also sought cooperation from local residents, political parties, candidates, the administration and the media to ensure a peaceful and orderly election.
Meanwhile, the district administration has imposed restrictions on the presence of outsiders in the constituency.
People who are neither residents nor registered voters of the constituency will not be allowed to remain in the area from 8:00am on October 27 until 4:00pm on October 30, except for those exempted under the order.
The Thakurgaon-1 seat fell vacant after Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was elected president.
Five candidates are contesting the by-election: Mirza Faisal Amin of the BNP; Delwar Hossain, representing Jamaat-e-Islami and like-minded parties; Md Khademul Islam of Islami Andolan Bangladesh; Md Abdul Alim Nizami of Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan; and Hussain Muhammad Omar Faruk of Bangladesh Congress.
