United News of Bangladesh

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.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday appreciated Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury for halting India's construction of fencing in several zero-line areas along the Bangladesh-India border. Speaking at a milad and doa mahfil at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, he also accused deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of being "sold" to India, claiming she had sacrificed Bangladesh’s interests in favour of the neighbouring country. Jatiyatabdi Rickshaw, Van, and Auto Chalak Dal organised the programme to pray for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's speedy recovery as she undergoes treatment in London.  “I thank the Home Affairs Adviser of the interim government as for the first time the BGB and the people resisted the barbed-wire fence that India was forcibly constructing along the border without any consultation,” Rizvi said. HC affirms legitimacy of interim government, cites public consensus He said Sheikh Hasina and her masters believed they could easily subdue the people of Bangladesh. The BNP leader also said South Block in Delhi never considered the depth and intensity of the patriotism of the Bangladeshi people. “They thought that if Sheikh Hasina remained in power, their purposes would be fulfilled. But the Indian policymakers failed to understand that lakhs of people from Jatrabari, Uttara, and Gabtoli could rise up and drive Sheikh Hasina out of Bangladesh,” he said. Rizvi said India had constructed barbed-wire fences in about 160 locations along the border between the two independent countries from 2010 to 2023, without any prior consultation as Sheikh Hasina gave them that scope, weakening Bangladesh’s sovereignty. The BNP leader mentioned that India had already fenced over 3,000 kilometres of the 4,156-kilometre-long Bangladesh-India border, leaving only approximately 885 kilometres unfenced. According to international rules, regulations, agreements, and discussions between the two countries at different times, he said any development plan within 150 yards of the zero line of the border must be discussed between the two countries. “But they (India) are trying to erect barbed-wire fences in various places, including along Lalmonirhat border, without complying with any of these agreements and regulations,” Rizvi said. He said the people of Bangladesh have joined the BGB members this time to resist India’s such an unfair move.  Khaleda stable in London, undergoing routine tests The BNP leader said Sheikh Hasina, during her rule, did not allow such an example to happen. “With fascism, with her ruthlessness, with her brutality, she (Sheikh Hasina) worked as a servant of India to serve its interests.” He recalled that Sheikh Hasina used to say many of her party members could be bought, but Sheikh Hasina could not be bought. “You (Hasina) can be bought first… India bought you first… that’s why you gave India the opportunity to do unequal work by trampling the independence, sovereignty, and glory of your own country.” Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Sunday that Bangladesh halted India’s construction of fencing in several zero-line areas along the Bangladesh-India border as it was a violation of international law. Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on border, he said the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has taken a firm stance to prevent such construction, already halting fencing in five locations, including Chapainawabganj, Nagaon and Dahagram in Lalmonirhat, the adviser added.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has proposed offering employment opportunities to 100 individuals injured during the July uprising. "This initiative aims to help the injured regain financial stability. While we cannot offer help everywhere to all those injured, we have submitted proposals and are advising that employment be arranged wherever feasible for those affected,” he said on Tuesday. The adviser was speaking to journalists after inspecting the Special Branch (SB) and the CID headquarters. Myanmar Crisis: Genuine dialogue sought to find peaceful solution Additionally, he addressed concerns about the previous government’s involvement in money laundering. "The biggest issue with the previous government was money laundering. They were the primary culprits," he said. When asked about the current government's approach to money laundering, he said, "I have emphasised the need for swift action on this matter." On traffic congestion, the adviser said, "Resolving traffic congestion is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, we have proposed a plan to involve 1,000 students in traffic control tasks. We will provide them with a minimum stipend. Initially, we aimed to involve 500 people, but we could not find enough available." Govt trying to make things easy for investors: Foreign Adviser Regarding progress in the past five months, he said, "You can judge for yourselves whether there has been any improvement compared to before. The police have started their work and are taking time to familiarise themselves with the roads. They are also encountering some issues with vehicles. We are addressing this matter with great importance." In response to questions about people fleeing after August 5, he said, "From August 5-6, there was no government in place. Many fled during that time, even crossing into neighbouring countries. At that moment, we were not in power. If anyone fled later, we will investigate the matter."

The Home Ministry has provided Tk 5 lakh in financial assistance to the family of firefighter Md. Sohanur Zaman Nayan, who died after being struck by a truck while on duty during a fire at the Secretariat. Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General(retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury handed over the cash assistance to Nayan’s father Md. Akhtaruzzaman at his office at the Secretariat on Monday afternoon. E-passport implementation to be completed by year-end: Home Adviser Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Nasimul Gani, Director General of the Fire Service and Civil Defense Department Brigadier General Zahed Kamal, Nayan’s  sister Seema Akhthar and other family members, were present. Earlier, on December 26, Nayan’s family received Tk 1 lakh in assistance along with Tk 50,000 for burial expenses from the Fire Service and Civil Defense Department. BRDB to be upgraded to directorate: Adviser Asif Mahmud Firefighter Nayan died after being hit by a truck while crossing the road in the fire team's desperate bid to douse the midnight fire at a  Secretariat building on December 26. He was a firefighter stationed at Tejgaon Fire Station.