Army will start patrolling as striking force in 389 upazilas of the country from Monday (Dec 24) morning, for ten days, in a bid to protect law and order situation for the 11th parliamentary elections.

Besides, Navy will be deployed in 18 upazilas.

ISPR (Inter Services Public Relations) Assistant Director Rashedul Alam Khan confirmed the matter to banglanews on Sunday (Dec 23) evening.

The armed forces will continue patrolling and operational activities upon coordination with the Returning Officers (ROs) till Jan 2, said Election Commission (EC)

Meanwhile, the Public Safety Department of Home Ministry has issued a notice, in this regard.

“Members of the armed forces will help the law enforcement agencies if the ROs seek help for protecting law and order,” said the notice.

Besides, the Army will work as technical team in the six constituencies where Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) will be used in polling centers.

Meanwhile, BNP and its alliance Jatiya Oikyafront have welcomed the decision of army employment.