In the Thakurgaon-1 constituency, 115 out of 185 polling stations are classified as vulnerable; SRB (Security Response Battalion/Force) units will be deployed on the ground.

Bangla Press Desk: The Special Response Battalion (SRB)-13 has strengthened security measures for the by-election in the Thakurgaon-1 constituency. Law enforcement agencies have categorized 115 of the constituency’s 185 polling stations as "highly vulnerable," while the remaining 70 have been identified as "vulnerable" (or significant/sensitive).

This information was shared by Lieutenant Colonel Manjur Karim, Commander of SRB-13, during a press conference held on Wednesday afternoon (October 28) at the Thakurgaon Government Boys' High School grounds.

It was announced that SRB personnel have been deployed since October 25 to ensure election security and will remain on duty until October 31—the day after the vote. The security operation includes six mobile patrol teams, two striking reserve patrol teams, a dog squad, and a bomb disposal unit. Additionally, drones will be used for surveillance, and personnel on duty will be equipped with body-worn cameras.

The press conference emphasized that maximum vigilance will be maintained to ensure law and order before, during, and after the election. An operations control room has been established to coordinate security efforts. Furthermore, an "Election Protection App" will be utilized to monitor the situation, facilitate information exchange, and enable rapid decision-making.

Voters were encouraged to head to the polling stations without fear and exercise their right to vote. To maintain a peaceful electoral environment, the public is urged to act responsibly and remain cautious regarding rumors, misinformation, and provocative statements circulating on social media. Journalists are also requested to verify information before publication and to adhere to relevant guidelines while covering the election.

Lieutenant Colonel Manjur Karim stated that SRB-13 will perform its duties with the utmost professionalism, focusing on ensuring voter safety, protecting the lives and property of the public, and facilitating a peaceful and orderly election. Security operations will be tailored to the overall situation in the constituency, and the force remains fully prepared to address any untoward incidents. 515,853 Voters in Thakurgaon-1 Constituency
There are 515,853 registered voters in the Thakurgaon-1 constituency. This includes 257,219 men, 258,630 women, and four voters from the third gender. Additionally, 287 individuals—comprising 249 men and 38 women—have registered to cast their votes via postal ballot.

Voting will take place continuously from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Thursday (October 29). Preparations at each polling station and security measures are being prioritized to ensure that voters can cast their ballots without any hindrance.

Following the scrutiny of nomination papers on September 29, the candidacies of six individuals for this by-election were declared valid. These include Mirza Faisal Amin and Md. Obaidullah Masud from the BNP, as well as Delwar Hossain, Hafez Dr. Md. Khademul Islam, Md. Abdul Alim Nizami, and Hussain Muhammad Omar Farooq—candidates representing Jamaat-e-Islami and its allied parties.

However, on October 5, Md. Obaidullah Masud, the district vice-president of the BNP, withdrew his candidacy, citing a party decision. Consequently, five candidates remain in the final race. It is anticipated that the primary contest will be between the BNP’s Mirza Faisal Amin and Delwar Hossain, the candidate representing Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies.

The Thakurgaon-1 seat became vacant after Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was elected to the presidency on August 20, necessitating a by-election. The new Member of Parliament for this constituency will be determined through Thursday’s vote.

BP/SP