Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said the Awami League, whose activities are currently banned, will ‘definitely try to disrupt’ the upcoming national election.
The adviser made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting of the core committee on law and order at the Secretariat.
The meeting primarily focused on the upcoming national election while addressing the Police Reform Commission, political party activities, drug control, social media provocations and the spread of fake news.
When asked about the discussions regarding the election, he said the unity that existed between political parties after the fall of the fascist government must be revived and protected.
“Even if there are disagreements, all political parties must set aside personal and party interests to work together in the interest of democracy. If this unity breaks, fascist groups could create chaos and unrest,” he added.
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Regarding election security, Jahangir Alam said the fairness and peaceful holding of the election depend on the behaviour of the political parties involved. The law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to provide security and maintain law and order, he added.
Emphasising the importance of public participation, he said, “It is crucial that people take part in the election voluntarily and enthusiastically. Political parties must ensure everyone can participate. With everyone’s cooperation, we believe the interim government will be able to hold a free, peaceful, and festive election.”
When asked about public concerns regarding the neutrality and inaction of the police, the adviser said if the police act early, people complain they stopped a peaceful event. But if they act too late, there is criticism again.
“It’s very difficult to balance. We are trying. For example, yesterday (August 30) there was an arson attack. If police had acted before it happened, many would say they interfered unnecessarily,” the adviser said.
Responding to questions about recent incidents of violence across the country, he said they are making all necessary preparations. “A police training programme will begin on September 7. We are ready.”
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He sought public and political support to reduce such incidents. “We need help from everyone so that these incidents gradually decrease. Only then can the election be held fairly.”
Asked whether certain groups were deliberately trying to prevent a fair election, the adviser said that those who are no longer active in politics will definitely want to cause disruption. Some of them are still out there.
“It is the duty of all of us—political parties, the public and the authorities—to stop them,” he added.