Security agencies on high alert for policing polls

Bangladesh invites foreign election-observer missions to be deployed and says all security apparatuses have been put on high alert for holding the country's post-uprising polls in an orderly manner.
Foreign secretary Asad Alam Siam Thursday briefed foreign missions in Dhaka on the latest preparations and security arrangements for the upcoming national parliamentary elections and referendum on a charter of changes, seeking to reassure the international community about safety and order during the process.
The briefing was held at the state guesthouse Padma, where the foreign secretary outlined the government's updated plans to ensure a secure environment before, during and after the polls.
"The purpose of the meeting was to keep diplomatic missions informed and address concerns related to security," says an official.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the foreign secretary informed diplomats that the Election Commission would welcome foreign election observers and formally invited them to deploy observer missions to Bangladesh. "The government reaffirms its commitment to conducting the electoral process in a transparent and orderly manner."
The briefing also highlights the role of the armed forces and law- enforcement agencies, with officials stating that all security forces are on high alert and actively engaged in maintaining law and order across the country. Diplomats were specifically assured that measures were in place to safeguard foreign missions, personnel and visitors during the election period.

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