Firearms potential threat in polls: IGP

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam said use of firearms is a potential threat in the context of the parliamentary election and referendum, scheduled tomorrow (Thursday). "All necessary measures have been taken to address this," he added.

He made the remarks at a press briefing at the Police Headquarters in the capital in response to a question about the firearms looted from various police stations. He also noted that arms entered the country through various means.

"To ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election, strict regulations have been imposed on legally-owned firearms. As a result, 27,995 legal firearms have been deposited."

"Measures have been taken to ensure that the voting takes place peacefully and in a festive atmosphere. The measures will be implemented in three phases".

The IGP further said 187,603 police personnel would be deployed for the election, and technology would be extensively used. CCTV cameras have been installed in 90 per cent polling centres, police personnel with body cameras would be deployed in high-risk locations, and police superintendents would use drones as part of enhanced security.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com