97% of polling centres in Gopalganj deemed ‘at risk’

Published : Tuesday, 3 February, 2026 at 2:44 PM Count : 143

Ahead of the 13th national election, the Gopalganj District Election Office has identified 97 percent of the polling centers in the district as “at risk”. However, the district’s returning officer has assured that all centres are fully secure.

Out of 397 polling centres across Gopalganj’s three constituencies, 385 have been classified as “at-risk”, covering 1,092,618 registered voters. Only 12 centres are considered outside the risk zone: five in Gopalganj-1, three in Gopalganj-2, and four in Gopalganj-3.

Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Arif-uz-Zaman emphasised that the official risk classification is part of procedural criteria; in reality, every centre is under complete security coverage.

Police have noted that no centre is truly “risk-free.” Forty-eight centres have been designated as “high-risk and more important” due to remoteness, travel difficulties, or a history of past violence.

It should be mentioned that Gopalganj is an Awami League stronghold and since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, three people were killed in violent clashes last year.

All the centres in the district are under 100 percent CCTV surveillance, a measure that is exceptional compared to other districts. Additional forces from police, Rab, BGB, the army, Ansar, and VDP have been deployed to ensure tight security, said Additional Superintendent of Police Md Sarwar Hossain.

Voters have shown mixed responses to voting -- some are hesitant to visit polling stations due to fears of violence, while others plan to cast their vote.

Salman Islam, a 19-year-old first-time voter from Baroshi union in Gopalganj, told that, “This year, I will cast my first vote on February 12. I am not worried about any violence. Candidates from different parties are coming and promoting their symbols. I already have a preference for one of them.”

On the other hand, Lipi Begum, a 38-year-old voter and a homemaker from ward 10 of Gopalganj Sadar, said she was afraid to go to the polling station.

“I’ve heard people talking along the roads that there could be clashes at polling centres. The Awami League isn’t contesting here, but they have a strong presence, so there may be trouble. I have small children, so I won’t be going to vote. However, people from various parties have been encouraging me to go and cast my vote,” she said.

Regarding the security of polling stations, Returning Officer and DC Arif-uz-Zaman told, “Maximum security measures have been implemented at all polling centres in the district, and each centre is under full security coverage.

“With additional forces deployed on the ground including police, DB, RAB, the army, Ansar, and VDP. There is no opportunity for sabotage.”

Addressing voter concerns, he noted that Gopalganj is a "sensitive" district, so some voters may feel apprehensive. “Keeping this in mind, the administration has been actively monitoring the field. Regular inspections, supervision of officer training, and initiatives like imam conferences and community meetings have been conducted to encourage voters,” he said.

FP/MI