Final security and logistical preparations are underway across Bangladesh as the country gears up for national elections tomorrow, February 12. Polling centres across the country have been placed under tight security, with police, Ansar and other auxiliary forces deployed to ensure a safe and orderly vote. Election officials and candidate representatives remained busy with last-minute arrangements.
In a televised address, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin urged citizens to vote peacefully and accept the results, warning that any untoward incident would be dealt with firmly.
Meanwhile, the United Nations emphasized that safe, inclusive, and meaningful participation in public life is a fundamental right for all in Bangladesh. This includes women and girls, women with disabilities, minority women, and gender-diverse individuals. The UN highlighted concerns from women’s groups about violence and harassment of candidates and voters, including cyberbullying, deepfakes, and AI-altered abuse. It stressed the importance of women’s representation and leadership and is supporting the Bangladesh Election Commission to increase electoral participation. The UN called on political leaders and stakeholders to adopt zero tolerance for intimidation, harassment, and violence, ensuring that all voters and candidates can engage freely, safely, and without fear of reprisals during the electoral process.
