, Jan. 31 -- Bangladesh's Border Guard (BGB) has been instructed not to use lethal weapons while performing security duties during the country's national election and referendum, senior officials have said.

More than 37,000 BGB members will be deployed across the country to help maintain law and order during the polls, while continuing to safeguard Bangladesh's 4,427-kilometre border, according to sources at BGB headquarters.

Officials said the deployment is aimed at ensuring voters can cast their ballots in a safe and uninterrupted environment.

The BGB will take part in election-related duties in 489 of the country's 495 upazilas. In 61 upazilas located along the border, the force will operate independently in managing election securi...