The government has decided to purchase at least 40,000 body-worn cameras for police to enhance security at polling booths during the upcoming general election in February. 

The decision was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Saturday (August 9) at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. 

The information was disclosed in a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Sunday.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Khoda Bakhsh Chowdhury, and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Fayez Ahmed Taiyeb attended the meeting.

Fayez Ahmed Taiyeb said the process of purchasing the 40,000 body cameras was at its final stage, emphasising that the devices would strengthen security at polling stations. “We are considering buying the body cams by October so that police officers can receive adequate training on their key features, including AI,” he added.

Bangladesh authorities have contacted three companies from Germany, China and Thailand to supply the cameras. Police officers and constables will wear the devices on their chests while on election duty.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus instructed that the cameras be procured without delay and that proper training for police personnel be ensured. Fayez Ahmed Taiyeb said, “We must ensure complete security at all polling stations, whatever the cost. Our aim is to make the February election the most free, fair and peaceful in the country’s history.”

During the meeting, Fayez Ahmed Taiyeb also unveiled plans to launch an election app for the upcoming polls. The app will provide information on the February election, including candidate details, updates on voting booths, and interactive features for lodging complaints.

MSK/