The Election Commission (EC) has expressed concern over security following a crude bomb (cocktail) explosion in front of a building in the capital’s Agargaon area. As a result, steps are being taken to bring the area under special surveillance, considering the potential risk.

The EC believes that the continuation of business activities around the Election Building late into the night, beyond office hours, increases the risk of sabotage. Therefore, the Commission has directed that these business activities be halted and that security patrols be intensified.

According to a letter signed by Chief Security Officer Shahid Abdus Salam on Tuesday (October 28), this information has already been sent to the Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

The letter states that on October 25 (Saturday) at around 11:10 p.m., some miscreants detonated a crude bomb in front of the sculpture located in front of the Election Building. The incident has raised concerns about the security of the building.

The EC also noted that various business activities continue around the Election Building after office hours and on holidays, which further heightens security threats.

In this situation, instructions have been issued to shut down all business operations around the building from evening until midnight and to increase police patrols in and around the Election Building.

The letter further states that, considering the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election as a top priority, the concerned authorities have been requested to deploy sufficient police personnel on an emergency basis to ensure round-the-clock security.