Police Headquarters Begins Collecting Candidate Information for Peaceful National Election

To ensure a peaceful and violence-free upcoming national election, the Police Headquarters in Bangladesh has initiated a nationwide drive to collect information on potential candidates.

The data collection began last week, with all police stations instructed to submit detailed reports covering 11 key areas for each likely candidate, including their criminal background, police records, and potential to incite unrest. Based on this information, law enforcement agencies will assess security needs in each constituency and identify candidates who may pose risks.

Experts have cautioned that "inconsistencies in surveillance by multiple agencies" could lead to potential misuse of this initiative. A senior official from the Police Headquarters, speaking anonymously, said, “We are collecting this data to strategize election security. It will help us identify areas needing extra security and evaluate which candidates or their supporters might instigate violence.” Describing the initiative as highly critical, the official added, “The goal is to prevent violence or irregularities before they occur.” According to a copy of a letter obtained by *The Daily Star*, the Police Headquarters directed all stations to submit data in a tabular format, including each candidate’s party affiliation, political stance, criminal and police records, educational qualifications, and other identifying details. The letter also mandates verifying and including candidates’ parents’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and national identity numbers. Police sources confirmed that the initiative will continue until the election, covering not only candidates but also their close associates and party workers. The data, compiled by the Special Branch at each station, is being sent to the Police Headquarters for constituency-specific security planning, such as determining areas requiring additional personnel, increased mobile patrols, or enhanced police and RAB presence. The information will also assist in providing extra security for candidates if needed. An Officer-in-Charge (OC) from a Dhaka district police station, speaking anonymously, said, “A secret cell has been formed to handle this task. We received a list of potential election candidates about five days ago and are now verifying information as per directives.” At least six OCs confirmed the initiative to *The Daily Star*, but no official from the Police Headquarters commented formally, citing the matter as “highly confidential and sensitive.” On Saturday, after inspecting the Dhaka District Police Lines and the Traffic and Driving School at Mill Barrack in Old Dhaka, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam stated that the police are preparing a list of individuals exerting regional dominance, particularly in Dhaka. He emphasized, “Political parties also have a crucial role in improving the overall law and order situation. Their cooperation is essential.” BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed told *The Daily Star*, “If this is part of routine operations, it’s fine. But if there’s any ulterior motive, it’s a cause for concern.” Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Touhidul Haque, Associate Professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research at Dhaka University, said, “Law enforcement agencies must take various measures to ensure a peaceful election. However, doubts about the intent of this initiative are natural, as it effectively involves surveillance of candidates. Extreme caution is needed to prevent misuse.” He added, “Candidate information should only be with the Election Commission. If a candidate commits any wrongdoing, legal measures are in place. But if multiple agencies collect data without coordination, it could become a tool for abuse.” **Police Election Training** Ahead of the national election, the Police Headquarters has launched a first-of-its-kind training program for police personnel across the country. Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said the training is part of election preparedness. “The Election Commission will announce the election date, not us. But we aim to complete all preparations by December,” he said.

Assistant Inspector General Enamul Haque Sagar noted, “Training will first be provided to officers in Dhaka, followed by other districts in phases.