Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan on Wednesday visited Kutubdia and Sandwip to review election security preparations as part of efforts to ensure a free, fair and peaceful 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum 2026.
The Bangladesh Navy has been deployed in 25 upazilas under 16 parliamentary constituencies in support of civil authorities under the “Aid to the Civil Power” framework.
During the visit, the navy chief inspected the overall activities, security arrangements and readiness of naval contingents assigned to election duties.
He also held coordination meetings with officials of the civil administration, law enforcement agencies and election authorities in the two island upazilas.
Officials present included senior representatives from the Chattogram divisional administration, police, intelligence agencies, RAB, Coast Guard, Ansar and the Navy.
Discussions focused on strengthening inter-agency coordination and overall security management to ensure a peaceful, impartial and credible election.
The navy chief urged all concerned to work collectively so that voters can cast their ballots without fear or intimidation. He also directed officials to maintain the highest level of vigilance to ensure law and order and voter safety at polling centres.
To bolster security in coastal and island areas, naval ships and patrol boats have been deployed in Bhola, Hatiya, Sandwip, Cox’s Bazar and Saint Martin’s Island.
Officials said technology-based surveillance has been intensified, with drones and body-worn cameras being used to monitor the situation. Regular patrols, foot patrols and special operations to recover illegal arms are also underway.
Naval ships, helicopters, Quick Response Forces and SWADS teams have been kept on standby to respond to any emerging situation, they added.
