The Bangladesh interim government is preparing to deploy at least 40,000 AI-enabled body-worn cameras to enhance security at polling stations during the upcoming general election.
The decision was discussed on Saturday at a high-level meeting at the state guesthouse Jamuna, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
The meeting was attended by Adviser for Home Affairs Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, and Special Assistants to the Chief Adviser Khoda Bakhsh Chowdhury and Foyez Ahmad Taiyeb.
According to a statement on the Chief Adviser’s verified Facebook page, Foyez Ahmad Taiyeb informed the meeting that the procurement process for the cameras is in its final stage.
The devices, he said, will significantly bolster security at thousands of high-risk polling stations.
The target is to secure the cameras by October, allowing police officers to receive adequate training on their AI-powered features ahead of the polls.
Suppliers from Germany, China, and Thailand have already been contacted. Police officers and constables will wear the cameras on their chests while on election duty.
Prof. Yunus instructed officials to expedite procurement and ensure comprehensive training for thousands of officers. “We must guarantee complete security at all polling stations at any cost,” he said, adding that the aim is to make the February election the most free, fair, and peaceful in the country’s history.
During the meeting, the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant for Telecommunications and ICT also announced plans to launch an “Election App” featuring candidate profiles, real-time polling centre updates, and an interactive complaint submission option. Prof.
Yunus urged for its quick rollout and called for a user-friendly design for over 100 million voters.
