EC bans drones in election campaigns, allows use by law enforcement
The Election Commission (EC) has banned the use of drones in election campaigns ahead of the upcoming national polls, while allowing law enforcement agencies to operate them for security purposes.
After a meeting with representatives of various law enforcement bodies today (20 October), EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters, "It has been decided that drones cannot be used in election campaigns. However, law enforcement agencies may use them as required."
Explaining the decision, the EC said that although drones represent modern technology, several risks justify the restriction.
According to him, drones can intrude into private spaces, offices, and polling centres, violating voters' right to privacy. Unauthorised drones could also carry dangerous objects or explosives, posing threats to polling centres and crowds. Moreover, improper drone use, often ignoring existing rules and regulations, creates serious security concerns. Drones might also be misused to capture images or videos of voters while casting their ballots.
On election security, the EC secretary said, citing the inspector general of police, that around 150,000 police personnel will be deployed. The largest contingent will come from the Ansar VDP, while body-worn cameras and drones will also be used for monitoring.
"So vigilance will be much higher. All the forces have taken initiatives to train their personnel under their own management ahead of the election. This is heading towards a good election," he said.
He added that 90,000 to 100,000 army personnel are expected to be deployed, alongside 550,000 to 600,000 members of the Ansar force.
"After categorisation and final arrangements, the numbers will be more precise. Broadly, they are providing us with the maximum possible manpower," he said.
The 13th parliamentary election is expected to be held in the first half of February, before Ramadan, with the EC planning to announce the election schedule in early December.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin presided over today's meeting, which was attended by four election commissioners, the home secretary, the EC secretary, and representatives from various law enforcement agencies.