Navy to guard 23 upazilas, 2 cities in nat’l polls 

The Bangladesh Navy has deployed necessary contingents in 23 coastal upazilas and two city corporations across eight districts to perform law-and-order duties during the 13th National Parliamentary elections.

Nearly 5,000 naval personnel have been deployed to ensure overall security in 16 coastal parliamentary constituencies under the Navy's jurisdiction.

Navy personnel are currently working round the clock to maintain law and order in the run-up to the polls. Under the provision of In Aid to Civil Power, the Navy is supporting the civil administration to help ensure a free, fair and impartial election in its areas of responsibility.

Commander of the Navy's Teknaf Contingent, told The Daily Observer that the primary objective of the deployment is to ensure a safe, peaceful and credible electoral environment in the coastal belt ahead of the upcoming polls.

He said that from February last year to the present, the Teknaf Contingent has conducted a total of 70 special operations across maritime, land and border areas, including 34 solo operations and 36 joint operations.

Meanwhile, acting officer-in-charge of the Navy's Forward Base on St Martin's Island, told this correspondent that alongside maritime security, naval personnel are also engaged in election-related duties on the island.