CCTV Cameras and Drones Deployed to Monitor Polling Centers in Manirampur

Abu Raihan, Manirampur Correspondent: Manirampur in Jashore now stands at the crossroads of election enthusiasm and apprehension. With a voter base of 374,252, this year’s election is not merely a contest of ballots, but a major test of security arrangements. Taking into account past bitter experiences and ongoing political tensions, the administration has identified 20 areas of the upazila as “red zones” or high-risk zones. This time, surveillance will not be limited to the ground alone—drones will keep a hawk-like watch from the sky. To reassure voters, joint forces including the Bangladesh Army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will remain...

১১

Abu Raihan, Manirampur Correspondent:
Manirampur in Jashore now stands at the crossroads of election enthusiasm and apprehension. With a voter base of 374,252, this year’s election is not merely a contest of ballots, but a major test of security arrangements. Taking into account past bitter experiences and ongoing political tensions, the administration has identified 20 areas of the upazila as “red zones” or high-risk zones.
This time, surveillance will not be limited to the ground alone—drones will keep a hawk-like watch from the sky. To reassure voters, joint forces including the Bangladesh Army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will remain on patrol.
According to administrative sources, areas that witnessed violence or incidents such as polling station capture in previous elections have primarily been listed as red zones. In these areas, special striking forces comprising BGB and army personnel will be deployed in addition to regular law enforcement agencies. Regular patrols and checkpoints have also been intensified. Officials state that the purpose of declaring red zones is not punitive, but preventive—to ensure citizens can exercise their voting rights without fear.
A major highlight this year is the use of drone surveillance. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Samrat Hossain announced through the “Manirampur Upazila Administration” Facebook page that drones will be used on polling day to monitor polling centers and surrounding areas. If gatherings or tensions arise in remote locations or outside the coverage of CCTV cameras, mobile teams will take immediate action after reviewing live drone footage. In addition, all election-related awareness information is being disseminated, and citizens are being urged to refrain from sharing unverified online content or spreading misinformation.
CCTV cameras have been installed in all 128 polling centers across the upazila. Based on risk assessment, centers have been categorized into three types—highly important, important, and general—to structure the overall security framework.
Alongside police and Ansar members, the army and BGB are expected to serve as a major source of confidence. Especially in high-risk centers, the presence of joint forces is believed to have a strong psychological deterrent effect against the display of muscle power. Ensuring a smooth and peaceful voting process for the 374,252 voters of Manirampur remains the primary challenge for the local administration.
Election analysts and members of civil society believe that this coordinated approach—combining red zones, drones, and joint forces—has sent a positive message to ordinary voters. However, they emphasize that beyond technological measures and force deployment, impartial and fair implementation on the ground is essential to create a credible electoral environment. If all preparations are properly executed, residents are hopeful that Manirampur will witness a festive and peaceful election this time.