The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Home Adviser Major Gen (Retd) MA Matin yesterday said Army will be deployed during the elections as per the requirement of the Election Commission (EC).

He said that security will not be relaxed even if emergency rule is lifted.

The decision came from a meeting of the advisory Council Committee on law and order on the issue of security during the parliamentary and Upazila elections. The Adviser presided over the meeting that was attended, among others by Noor Mohammad, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Hasan Mahmud Khandakar, Director General (DG) of RAB, Major General Shakil Ahmed, Director General (DG) of BDR and the Election Commission officials were also present at the meeting.

The Adviser told the journalists that army, navy, BDR and other law-enforcing agencies would be on duty during the election period.

He said four to five platoons of military personnel will be deployed in each district along with the police, BDR and Ansar.

When asked on the date for troops deployment, the Adviser said the army will be deployed for a few days in accordance with the need of the Election Commission.

He also said Army would remain deployed as mobile striking force on the polling-day around the polling centres to deal with an emergency.

Replying to a question on the situation after the lifting of the state of emergency, the Adviser said the situation will remain normal after the lifting of the state of emergency.

He said the people of the country are eagerly waiting for parliamentary polls for nearly two years.

"The Government will take all necessary steps for ensuring smooth polls," he added.

He, however, could not say the specific date for lifting the emergency rule. The government will take decision on lifting the state of emergency.

On the issue of VIP's security Gen Matin said the police and other security agencies have been ordered to ensure complete security for them.

"This year, voting will be carried out in 35,500 voting centres with 1 lakh 22 thousand booths and the number may be increased for the upazila polls," said Adbul Karim, Home Secretary to the journalists.