DHAKA: Bangladesh's interim government plans to procure at least 40,000 body-worn cameras for police to enhance security at voting booths during the general election in February 2026.
The move was discussed at a high-level meeting with the country's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in the chair Saturday (Aug 9).
In a statement on Sunday, chief adviser's press wing said Bangladesh authorities have approached three companies to supply the cameras.
Chief adviser's special assistant Faiz Tayeb Ahmed who attended the meeting said the procurement process for the body cameras, commonly known as bodycams, was in its final stage.
He said that the devices would strengthen security in thousands of vulnerable polling centres.
"We are aiming to procure the bodycams by October, so police officers can receive adequate training on their key features, including AI capabilities," he said.
Yunus instructed officials to expedite the procurement and ensure proper training for thousands of policemen.
"We must guarantee complete security at all polling centres, no matter the cost. Our goal is to make the February election the most free, fair, and peaceful in the country's history," he said.
Yunus has already instructed the Election Commission to organise the general election before Ramadan, the first time since a mass uprising toppled then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year. - Xinhua
