The University of Dhaka authorities have confirmed that the army will be deployed as a “striking force” during the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections.
The announcement has sparked wide discussion over the army’s role in ensuring security on voting day.
Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with candidates at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building on Tuesday, Returning Officer Prof. Dr. Golam Rabbani outlined the three-tier security plan for the polls.
He said the first layer of security would be ensured by the university’s proctorial body in coordination with the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC). Around 200 BNCC members will be deployed across eight polling centers to facilitate voter participation alongside proctorial staff, with additional teachers involved if required.
Police will constitute the second layer of security, maintaining a presence at polling centres.
The third and final layer will be provided by the army, positioned as a striking force at seven key entry points to the campus, including Palashi, Nilkhet, and Shahbagh.
“If necessary, the army will be able to reach any polling centre within five minutes,” Prof. Rabbani said.
According to the security plan, the entire university campus will be sealed off on election day, September 9. Only registered voters, law enforcement personnel, journalists, and accredited observers will be allowed entry with valid ID cards.
The day before and on election day, the university’s metro rail station will also remain closed.
The army will cordon polling centres immediately after voting ends, ensuring results are announced securely from each of the eight centers. “Until results are finalised, polling centres will remain under army cordon,” the returning officer confirmed.
In addition, no outsiders will be allowed to stay in the halls from September 2, a week before the polls.
Election Commission members will conduct unannounced inspections to enforce this and to monitor candidate compliance with the code of conduct.
