United News of Bangladesh

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday said the overall situation surrounding the national election in Bangladesh is significantly better than in previous elections, despite a few isolated incidents of clashes. “Two or four incidents are happening, that is true. But compared to any other time, the situation this time is much better. Everyone is now election-oriented. If you compare it with previous elections, I would say, by the grace of Almighty Allah, the situation is much better,” he told reporters. He made the remarks after the Bangladesh Coast Guard Medal Award Ceremony at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, in the morning. When asked about a report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) stating that 15 political activists have been killed since the announcement of the election schedule, Lt Gen Chowdhury declined to comment directly. “You can ask TIB how many people were killed in previous elections,” he said. The Home Adviser said many of the clashes occur within the same political groups. “If you start fighting among yourselves, it sometimes becomes difficult for law enforcement agencies to control the situation. By the time we reach the spot, the situation is already over — this is what is happening,” he said. On whether violence is increasing ahead of the polls, he said, “Violence is not increasing; violence is happening. Law enforcement agencies have already been deployed in the field. People need to show patience. You will see that even a small exchange of words between two brothers cannot be tolerated. Everyone needs to increase their level of patience.” Responding to claims that the Sundarbans have come under the control of pirates since 5 August 2024, he said the statement was incorrect. “If the Sundarbans had gone under the control of pirates, so many tourists would not have been able to visit. The Sundarbans are fully under our control,” he added. Regarding the recovery of illegal firearms used in killings, he said many weapons have already been recovered. Home Adviser orders Coast Guard to maintain neutrality during election duties Asked if incidents of violence could affect the election, he emphasised that the polls will be conducted in a “free, peaceful and festive manner,” calling for cooperation from all concerned. During the ceremony, 40 members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard were awarded medals for their meritorious service. Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Nasimul Gani, Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Haque, and other senior officials were also present.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has directed that anyone violating the election code of conduct during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and 2026 referendum must be immediately brought under the law. The instruction came at a law and order consultation meeting organized by the Mymensingh divisional administration at the Mymensingh City Corporation conference hall on Monday. Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Goni presided over the event. Special guests included BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui NDC PSC and Additional IGP (Finance) Md Akram Hossain BPM, while Divisional Commissioner Farah Shammi NDC delivered the welcome speech. Bangladeshi expats cast 458,000 postal votes ahead of Feb-12 polls The adviser emphasized that no illegal activity will be tolerated during the elections. Election officials and law enforcement personnel were instructed to strictly follow the Representation of the People (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates, 2025, relevant ministry circulars, and Election Commission guidelines. He urged officers to provide continuous instructions to subordinates, hold regular briefings on election preparations, ongoing activities, and compliance with the code of conduct. Appointments of presiding, assistant presiding, and polling officers must ensure honesty, efficiency, and impartiality, while officials with a history of partisanship or irregularities must not be assigned electoral duties. Chowdhury highlighted the role of the Election Security App-2026, developed by the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre, in maintaining law and order. The app will link law enforcement, returning officers, and the Ministry of Home Affairs’ central control room to record complaints and enable prompt response. Officials must complete training on its use without delay. No scope for vote rigging in expatriate voting process:  EC Sanaullah He also instructed that polling stations be fully prepared, access routes kept smooth, and election materials, including ballot boxes, secured and delivered on time. Sharing his electoral experience, he said honest and efficient conduct by officials and law enforcement can ensure a free, fair, and festive election, describing it as a moral and ethical responsibility. The meeting was attended by deputy commissioners, police superintendents, upazila executive officers, election officers at all levels, and armed forces representatives from Mymensingh division.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd) on Thursday asked election officials and members of law enforcement agencies to discharge their duties with utmost integrity, efficiency and professionalism. “Government officials are not members of any political party. They are salaried employees of the state, paid by taxpayers’ money. Any form of partiality or biased conduct towards a political party will not be accepted,” he said. The adviser made the remarks while speaking at a law and order coordination meeting at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium at Rajarbagh in the capital in the afternoon. The meeting was organised by the Home Ministry and the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s Office to ensure the smooth conduct of the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. If evidence is found that anyone has worked in favour of a candidate or pursued a partisan agenda, the government will take departmental and strict legal action without any leniency, he warned. He also instructed officials and law enforcers to strictly avoid accepting money or any other benefits from candidates or their representatives, stressing that even accepting food would be unacceptable. Jahangir Alam said the democratic future of the country would be determined through the national election, cautioning that a flawed or non-transparent election could push the nation into uncertainty. “The role, conduct and responsibility of officials and law enforcement personnel are extremely important. I am hopeful that with collective efforts, we will be able to set a benchmark in the upcoming election that will be appreciated not only at home but also internationally,” he added. They said no one should be allowed to violate the law, and anyone involved in illegal activities must be brought under legal action. He urged all concerned to thoroughly understand and follow the Representation of the People Order (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections, 2025, circulars issued by the Home Ministry, and directives of the Election Commission. “Neutrality must be reflected in words, actions, conduct, announcements and implementation,” he said. The adviser also instructed senior officials to regularly brief their subordinate officers and staff on election conduct and preparations, suggesting that meetings could be held daily at district and metropolitan levels to review preparations, challenges, ongoing activities, upcoming plans, dos and don’ts, and compliance with the code of conduct. Home Adviser Jahangir Alam pledges credible polls on Feb 12 Deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, upazila nirbahi officers, regional, district and upazila election officers, officers-in-charge of police stations from across Dhaka Division, as well as additional police commissioners, joint police commissioners, deputy police commissioners and OCs of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, attended the meeting.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday (November 15) said that a special law enforcement and security deployment plan will be there in place for nine days over the upcoming national election. “The plan includes five days prior to the election, one day on the election day, and three days following the vote, with strict security measures enforced throughout; and the duration may be adjusted depending on the country’s situation,” he said while talking to reporters at Patuakhali Circuit House. The adviser said the army currently has 30,000 personnel deployed, but this number is expected to rise to nearly 100,000 during the election period. He said the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will contribute around 35,000 members, while the Navy and the Coast Guard will deploy five thousand and four thousand personnel respectively. “The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) will have approximately eight thousand members on duty.” Read more: Tensions rise as ICT going to set verdict date in Hasina case The adviser highlighted the role of the Ansar force, noting that about 550,000 personnel will be involved in the election management. According to him, Ansar will play a major role this time and will be equipped with weapons and body cameras to ensure effective management and security throughout the election period. Emphasising security, he asserted, “There is no room for doubt regarding security. The election will be held very peacefully—there is no question about that.” On a question regarding the change of government, the adviser said, “The government did not fall because of three individuals. It happened due to the spontaneous participation of the people. You have seen how they fled the country, how their relatives escaped. It was not due to one or two persons; it happened because of the will of the people.” Later, he inspected the Patuakhali Police Lines and the Coast Guard Station. Read more: Dhaka on high alert amid Awami League's countrywide ‘lockdown’ call

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday (11th November 2025) said law enforcement agencies are on high alert ahead of the Awami League’s planned Dhaka ‘lockdown’ programme on November 13, assuring that the situation will remain normal. The adviser made the remarks after a meeting of the advisory council committee on law and order at the Secretariat. Read more: DMP bans gatherings near CJ’s residence, SC areas from Tuesday “There had been detailed discussions here and we need your cooperation in one matter. If anyone is found suspicious, immediately inform the law enforcement agencies,” he said. He said law enforcers are in a strong position and there is no cause for concern, as they will remain vigilant. “No leniency will be shown to terrorists. You often say terrorists get bail very quickly. To ensure they do not get bail easily, we will also request the authorities not to release terrorists on easy terms,” the adviser said. Read more: Govt vows to protect interfaith unity, communal harmony

With the national election approaching fast, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday (5th November 2025) said all necessary instructions have been given to the administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure a free and fair election slated for February 2026. “No threats to the upcoming polls have been detected so far,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Gazipur. Addressing the role of voters in the polls, Jahangir Alam said attempts to disrupt the process are unlikely to succeed when voters are active and aware. Over 48,000 police officers complete election training: Police HQ He also highlighted the responsibilities of participating political parties in maintaining law and order and said close coordination among the Election Commission, law enforcement and administration will prevent potential issues. Regarding security concerns, he warned that any Awami League leaders and activists released on bail who engage in criminal activity before the election will face strict action. He also acknowledged that miscreants and rumour may attempt to create unrest, assuring that comprehensive measures will be taken to prevent such actions. Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin, Gazipur Metropolitan Police acting Commissioner Zahid Hossain, Superintendent of Police Dr. Chowdhury Jaber Sadeq, and senior officials from the army, fire service, and other administrative departments, attended the meeting. Read more: Action if police favour any political party, warns Home Adviser

With the national election approaching, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday (4th November 2025) warned that action will be taken against any police personnel found providing illegal facilities to political leaders or activists. He issued the warning while speaking to reporters after a core committee meeting at his ministry. Responding to a question about measures against police favouring any party during the polls, he said an electoral inquiry committee has already been formed. Ansar members to accompany presiding officers during polls: Home Adviser “If there is any negligence, action will be taken immediately under the law. Previously, only general diaries were filed, but now officers will be held accountable at once,” the adviser added. He directed the police to make sure the elections are free, fair, credible and festive, stressing that any violations will face strict legal action.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday inaugurated murals titled ‘July Heroism’ and ‘July Sacrifice’ at the Mawa end of the Padma Bridge, commemorating the martyrs of the July student uprising. Speaking to journalists after the event, the adviser said those who opposed the July movement and its graffiti ‘will never return’. Even under a new government, there is ‘no reason’ to remove the murals. Jahangir Alam described the July movement as more than a protest, calling it a ‘struggle for truth and justice against injustice.’ Rab now praised for role in law and order: Home adviser He said the artworks would inspire young people to remain devoted to truth, justice, freedom, and democracy, and thanked the artists for creating a ‘priceless witness to history’. Railways Secretary Fahmidul Islam, Bridges Division Secretary Momtaz Begum, DIG of Dhaka Range Rezaul Karim Mallik, Munshiganj Deputy Commissioner Fatematul Jannat, Shariatpur DC Tahsina Begum, Police Superintendent Muhammad Shamsul Alam Sarkar, Police Superintendent Md Nazrul Islam, PPM, and other officials attended the ceremony.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday assured that there is no threat of conspiracy in the capital, despite it being largely empty due to the Eid holidays. "By the grace of Almighty Allah, there is no threat," he told journalists when asked about concerns over a possible conspiracy in the relatively empty capital. The adviser made the remarks while speaking to the media after inspecting the Gabtoli Bus Terminal in Dhaka. Jahangir Alam's statement comes amid concerns over potential disruptive incidents when the capital remains largely deserted, especially during the extended Eid vacation. He also noted that the public is enjoying a smooth and hassle-free journey home for Eid, crediting the comfortable travel experience to various people-centric initiatives and effective management by the government. "We are making all-out efforts to ensure that people can travel safely and conveniently for Eid and return to Dhaka securely after the holidays," he said. Chief Adviser’s office shares market situation ahead of Eid The adviser said that the Ministry of Home Affairs has implemented extensive security measures to ensure foolproof safety in the capital. "While many are on holidays, police, armed forces, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar, Coast Guard and Fire Service personnel are working tirelessly to maintain law and order," he added. Commending the dedication of law enforcement agencies, he reassured that all necessary steps have been taken to prevent crimes such as theft, robbery, and snatching in Dhaka during the holiday period. "If any conspiracy arises, we will tackle it with the support of the people. When the public stands together, no conspiracy can succeed," he added. During his visit, he also instructed the traffic department to ensure that major bus terminals, as well as the capital's entry and exit points, remain congestion-free. He also directed law enforcement agencies to take immediate action against any complaints of overcharging passengers beyond the fixed fare limits.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has announced plans to provide employment opportunities within prisons for the protestors injured during the July-August movement. “Our initiative is aimed at providing them with employment opportunities,” he said while speaking to reporters after inspecting the Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj on Sunday. Responding to a query, the adviser said 700 inmates who escaped from various prisons following the incidents of August 5 remain at large, while the rest have been apprehended. Beximco’s closed factory won’t reopen: Adviser Sakhawat He assured that comprehensive measures are being implemented to prevent any future security lapses in prisons. “Any escaped individual who is recaptured will be brought to justice.” Replying to another question, the adviser acknowledged that incidents of mugging and extortion persist. “While perpetrators are being arrested, many return to criminal activities after their release. Efforts are ongoing to minimise these offences as much as possible.” Speaking about police performance, the adviser said, “There is no shortage of police personnel, but perhaps their motivation for work has declined. We are making every effort to reinvigorate their enthusiasm.” Home Adviser urges US to rehabilitate more Rohingyas During his visit, the Home Adviser also inaugurated a prison hotline (09612021690). This hotline enables people to access various inmate-related details, such as their status, court appearance dates, visitation schedules, phone call timings, health updates, and information on parole. It also provides a platform for submitting complaints and suggestions.