The district election office has identified 385 out of 397 polling stations as risky in Gopalganj--nearly 97% of the total centres.
However, the district returning officer said the risk classification is only part of the official criteria, adding that all polling centres are fully safe and secure.
Police said law enforcement agencies will ensure security at polling centres and that no centre is being considered risk-free. Based on distance, remoteness and past records of violence, police have identified 48 centres as “risky and highly important.” CCTV cameras have been installed at all centres. Voters, meanwhile, have expressed mixed reactions about going to the polls.
Across Gopalganj’s three parliamentary constituencies, only 12 centres are outside the risk category. According to the election office, five of the 138 centres in Gopalganj-1, three of the 151 centres in Gopalganj-2, and four of the 108 centres in Gopalganj-3 have been marked as general.
A total of 1,092,618 voters are expected to cast their votes at these centres.
Security concerns have generated mixed responses among voters. Some say they may avoid voting on polling day due to fears of violence, while others have decided to go to the centres. A section of voters said they would make a final decision after assessing the situation on the day.
Kadir Ahmed (19), a first-time voter from Balakaer village in Korpara Union of Gopalganj Sadar, said he plans to vote on the 12th and does not anticipate violence. “Candidates from different parties are coming and seeking votes. I also have a preferred candidate,” he said.
Lovely Yasmin, a housewife voter from Ward No. 14 of Gopalganj town, said she is afraid to go to the polling station. “I’ve heard people discussing possible trouble at polling centres. Candidates’ supporters are visiting homes to seek votes and urging people to go to the centres.”
Gopalganj Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md Arif-Uz-Zaman said a peaceful environment exists for a free and fair election and that voters will be able to cast their votes safely and without hindrance. “Maximum security measures have been taken at all polling stations. Every centre is under a full security cordon, and there will be no space for disruption,” he said.
Addressing voter concerns, the returning officer said Gopalganj is a sensitive district and that the administration has remained active on the ground accordingly. “We are conducting regular field inspections in coordination with law enforcement. Polling officials have been trained, and activities such as imam conferences and courtyard meetings have been held to encourage voters,” he said.
He also said that 30 candidates are contesting the district’s three constituencies, creating a festive electoral atmosphere, and assured that voters will be able to vote without obstruction.
Additional Superintendent of Police Md Sarwar Hossain said security has been tightened at all polling stations, with police, RAB, BGB, the army, Ansar and VDP jointly monitoring the situation. “As there are no risk-free centres, 48 have been marked as ‘highly important’ due to remoteness, longer travel times and past incidents of violence,” he said.
He added that additional forces have also been deployed, including 1,340 police personnel, around 500 army members, along with BGB. “All measures have been taken to ensure voters can cast their votes peacefully and safely,” he said.
