With the 13th parliamentary election approaching, the Bangladesh Navy has intensified security operations across the country’s vast coastal belt, deploying thousands of personnel to help ensure a peaceful, free and neutral polling environment in some of the most sensitive and hard-to-reach areas.
According to official data, naval contingents have been deployed in 23 coastal upazilas across eight districts and in two city corporations as part of election-related duties. Nearly 5,000 naval personnel are currently engaged in maintaining law and order in 16 coastal parliamentary constituencies, supplementing the civil administration under the constitutional provision of “in aid to civil power”.
Senior naval officers said the scale of the task is immense, as the Navy is responsible for securing 118,813 square kilometres of maritime territory in the Bay of Bengal which is almost equal to Bangladesh’s total land area. Coastal poll security, they noted, involves not only guarding polling centres but also monitoring waterways, landing points, islands and estuaries that are often used for illegal movement.
In addition to securing polling stations and sensitive installations, naval units are conducting round-the-clock patrols along rivers, canals and coastal routes to prevent sabotage, intimidation, arms movement or drug trafficking during the election period. Mobile patrols, static posts and intelligence-based operations have been strengthened, particularly in areas identified as vulnerable.
Teknaf, long regarded as a hotspot for yaba trafficking and organised crime, has seen a noticeable change following the deployment of naval contingents.
During a recent visit to Teknaf, Rabiul Islam, a local resident, told this correspondent that the presence of the Navy has had a visible impact on law and order. “Since naval patrols were strengthened ahead of the election, drug dealing and other criminal activities have reduced significantly,” he said. “People feel safer now, and voters are less fearful about going out during the election period.”
Bangladesh Navy Contingent Commander Teknaf said the region remains highly exposed to drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal arms smuggling and abduction due to its geographic location and proximity to international borders.
From February last year to January 15 this year, the contingent conducted 70 special operations—34 solo and 36 joint—across waterways, land routes and border areas, he said. These operations resulted in the seizure of narcotics and illegal arms and helped curb criminal networks operating in the area.
“Our primary focus now is to ensure a safe and peaceful atmosphere so voters can exercise their democratic rights without fear,” Contingent Commander said, adding that naval personnel have been instructed to maintain strict professionalism and neutrality throughout the election process.
Similar security measures are in place on St Martin’s Island, Bangladesh’s only coral island, where logistical challenges and limited law enforcement presence often complicate election management. Naval personnel there have been assigned both security and support responsibilities to ensure the smooth conduct of polling.
Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Bangladesh Navy’s St Martin’s forward base, said naval personnel regularly conduct immediate rescue operations during maritime accidents or natural disasters.
“When disasters strike and civilians move to safe shelters, Navy members head into the sea like vigilant sentinels to carry out rescue and relief operations,” he told The Bangladesh Post.
“Whether someone is in distress at sea or stranded along the coast, we rescue them and bring them to safety. We consider this our duty.”
He said that alongside ensuring maritime security, the Navy is currently performing election-related duties on St Martin’s Island as part of the national election process.
“To ensure that people can freely and safely exercise their constitutional right to vote, every member of the Bangladesh Navy remains fully alert, professional and committed to their responsibilities,” he added.
Residents of St Martin’s Island said the Navy’s presence has brought reassurance, particularly in remote localities where access to police or other law enforcement agencies is limited. Fishermen and small traders noted that the Navy’s role goes beyond security, pointing to its long-standing humanitarian activities in the area.
Over the years, the Navy has organised free medical camps, provided emergency treatment, conducted rescue operations during cyclones and engine failures at sea, and distributed food and relief items during times of hardship.
Locals said these efforts have helped build trust, making the Navy’s role in election security more acceptable and effective.
Election officials said the Navy will continue intensified patrols until the completion of the entire election process, including the transportation and safeguarding of ballot materials. Coordination with other law enforcement agencies has also been strengthened to prevent violence, curb illegal activities and respond swiftly to any incident.
