Dhaka, Jan. 7 -- The government has decided to deploy law enforcement forces in two phases to ensure that the 13th national elections are held in a free, fair, peaceful and impartial manner.

The initiative aims to strengthen security before, during and after polling across the country, said a circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday (January 6).

Under the plan, police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar and VDP, and the Coast Guard will be deployed to maintain law and order during the elections. Members of the armed forces will also be deployed "In Aid to Civil Power" to assist the civil administration.

The circular said that in the first phase, the law enforcement personnel currently deployed in the field will rema...