The Army has tightened security across Cox’s Bazar district and the Rohingya camps ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The measures were announced at a joint press briefing held at the Cox’s Bazar Cultural Centre around 11:00 am on Tuesday (February 10).

Officials said an adequate number of Army personnel have been deployed across South Chattogram and the Cox’s Bazar region. Temporary camps have been set up for each polling centre, while deployment plans have been drawn up and implemented based on risk assessments.

The briefing noted that all polling centres — not only those deemed vulnerable — are being given equal importance. Multiple drills have been conducted to ensure rapid response in the event of any accident or untoward incident. The Army remains fully prepared to act swiftly and effectively under any circumstances during the election. Compared with previous elections, the Army deployment has been significantly increased this time.

Regarding security in the Rohingya camps, officials said patrols have been intensified ahead of the polls. Checkpoints have been set up at various locations, fencing has been installed, and damaged sections have been repaired. The Army, along with APBN and other law enforcement agencies, is maintaining round-the-clock surveillance around the camps to ensure the election process is not disrupted.

It was further disclosed that between February 3 and 9, a total of 46 joint operations were carried out in South Chattogram and the Cox’s Bazar region under Army leadership, in coordination with other forces. These operations brought 59 individuals involved in various crimes and 1,149 Rohingyas under legal process.

During the operations, law enforcement agencies recovered six illegal firearms, 14 rounds of ammunition, 114 locally made sharp weapons, 8,450 yaba tablets, 2,311 litres of locally brewed liquor, 49 litres of beer, and other items linked to subversive activities. After recovery and interrogation, the suspects were handed over to the respective police stations for legal action.

Senior officials from RAB, BGB, the Army’s intelligence wing, and the police were present at the briefing. They said all preparations have been completed through coordinated efforts to ensure a free, peaceful, and secure election in Cox’s Bazar district.