Home ministry outlines duties of armed forces

Members of the armed forces will be deployed countrywide for 13 days from December 29 to January 10 ahead of the 12th parliamentary elections slated for January 7.

They will assist the local administration in maintaining law and order during the election.

Members of police, BGB, Coast Guard and Ansar & VDP will be on duty.

The Home Ministry issued a circular on Thursday (21 December), outlining the specific duties of the armed forces.

According to the circular, the armed forces will be deployed in upazilas or stations as necessary in consultation with the returning officers. They will assist other law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order.

Members of the armed forces will be stationed at nodal points (where different transport links come together) in each district, upazila or metropolitan area and other convenient locations.

Executive magistrates will also be appointed to work with the teams of armed forces.
They will conduct patrols and other operational activities in coordination with the returning officers, as needed.

The armed forces will perform duties to maintain peace and order inside polling stations or counting centres as requested by the returning officer or presiding officer, the circular reads.

The Air Force will provide flight assistance with the necessary number of helicopters and transport planes as requested by the Public Security Division of the home ministry, the Election Commission Secretariat, and the other armed forces.

The Navy will perform duties as necessary in coastal areas. Depending on the situation, they will ensure the security of important roads or highways as directed.