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.