Govt to deploy armed Ansar for presiding officers' safety

Home Advisor Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said armed Ansar personnel will be deployed to protect presiding officers during the upcoming parliamentary polls, reports bdnews24.com.

On Sunday, he stressed that the Ansar, a paramilitary auxiliary force, plays "the most important role" during elections.

"This time we are doing something different… Often, people try to attack [presiding officers], so we are ensuring an armed guard so no one can harm them."

His comments follow Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus's announcement that the national election will be held before Ramadan in February.

Yunus's office has sent a directive to the Election Commission to prepare for the election. Law enforcement readiness for a fair and free election has since come into focus.

Claiming law and order had improved since last year's government changeover, Jahangir said earlier issues such as police absenteeism, Ansar unrest, and inactive forces were no longer present.