Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Feb 9, 2026 (BSS) - Members of law enforcement agencies are 
patrolling round the clock in all its six constituencies to ensure a free, 
fair, credible and peaceful parliamentary election.

People in all walks of life, especially voters, including young people who 
will cast their first vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary 
Election, are very excited and eagerly wait to cast their franchise on Feb 
12, 2026.

To ensure the tightened security and prevailing election-friendly atmosphere 
in the six Khulna constituencies for holding a free, fair, and peaceful 13th 
Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Polls, a joint patrol operation has been launched in 
Khulna since the afternoon of January 26.

The operation began with a joint rehearsal involving members of Border Guard 
Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Coast Guard and police. Ahead 
of the launch, a press briefing was held at Shaheed Hadis Park in the city.

Addressing the briefing, Khulna Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) 
Nurul Haque Mohammad Anas said the operation aims to restore public 
confidence so that voters can cast their ballots without fear.

He said the joint teams would remain alert to prevent illegal arms activity 
and would immediately respond to any untoward situation.

Drives will be conducted to recover illegal weapons if any information is 
received, he added.

Highlighting election preparations, Anas told the news agency on Monday 
(today) that 20 executive magistrates are working across Khulna's six 
parliamentary constituencies. 

A judicial inquiry committee has been formed to investigate candidates' 
complaints, while a law and order cell has also been constituted to maintain 
stability, he added.

Khulna District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner A S M Jamshad 
Khondaker told BSS that the law and order situation has improved compared to 
earlier.

He said multiple coordination meetings have already been held with police, 
RAB and other law enforcement agencies.
"All polling centres are being given priority attention, and we are 
monitoring the situation closely to prevent any deterioration," he said, 
expressing hope for a credible election.

Deputy Commissioner (South) of Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) Mohammad 
Tajul Islam said some illegal weapons have already been recovered, and 
intelligence units have been instructed to intensify operations to arrest 
criminals and recover arms, alongside army deployment.

He admitted that in some cases, lack of information hampers arrests, but 
warned that anyone using weapons during the election would face strict 
action.

KMP Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Hasan said security measures in the city 
have been strengthened and additional protection has been provided to 
candidates, expressing optimism about a peaceful election.

Talking to BSS, RAB-6 Commander Nistar Ahmed said more arms and cocktail 
bombs have been recovered ahead of the election compared to other months. RAB 
members remain active in arresting criminals and assisting police following 
recent murder incidents.

He said 68 RAB patrol teams were operating across eight districts of Khulna 
division during the election period.

"We will remain present as a striking force and take action under the 
instructions of the returning officers if any polling centre comes under 
attack," he added.