United News of Bangladesh

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday said there is no fear of any kind of violence surrounding the upcoming national election, as law enforcement agencies remain fully prepared to ensure a peaceful poll. “The law enforcement agencies are very well prepared to conduct a peaceful election,” he said while speaking to reporters after attending a law and order coordination meeting at the Rajshahi Prison Training Academy auditorium. The meeting was organised to ensure the smooth conduct of the national elections and referendum. He said regular operations are underway across the country to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections, adding that illegal weapons are being recovered through these drives. Interim govt to hand over power right after election: Deputy Press Secretary The Home Affairs Adviser said around one lakh Army personnel will be deployed nationwide during the election. In addition, about 5,000 members of the Navy, 37,000 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members, 4,000 Coast Guard personnel, 1.5 lakh police members, 9,000 Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) members, and over 5 lakh Ansar members will remain on duty. He further said there is no such issue as “mob violence” in the country and that law enforcement agencies have no reason to feel fearful. Responding to a question, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said if any candidate violates the election code of conduct or engages in indecent behaviour, it will be disclosed. “If such actions are exposed in society, the candidate will naturally lose public support. Even then, if anyone crosses the line, legal action will be taken,” he added. EC changes polls code a week before elections The meeting was attended by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman, Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Force Director General Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, Additional Inspector General of Police Khandaker Rafiqul Islam and Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Gani. Senior officials of various election-related departments of Rajshahi Division and representatives of law enforcement agencies were also present in the meeting.  

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd) on Wednesday urged election officials and law enforcement personnel to perform their duties with honesty, integrity and sincerity, reminding them of the tragic consequences of fascism. He made the remarks at a meeting on law and order organised by the Khulna Divisional Administration at the conference room of the Khulna Divisional Commissioner’s office to ensure the smooth conduct of the national election and referendum–2026. Over the past 16 years, the adviser said, fascism had taken root through cloudy and biased election processes, in which state machinery was misused. He said people’s voting rights were taken away through a dictatorial system, leading to the establishment of autocracy and fascist structures. Referring to the 2024 mass uprising led by students to end fascism, he said many of those involved in the process were part of the government machinery and are now facing legal consequences, including dismissal, exile, imprisonment and prosecution. Expressing hope that all concerned would learn from the past, he called on officials to discharge their responsibilities properly in the upcoming national elections scheduled for February 12. Addressing election officials and members of law enforcement agencies, the adviser said the expectations of the people and political parties regarding the election are very high. Jahangir Alam stressed that ensuring a credible election rests largely on their shoulders. He warned that even a minor mistake or irregularity could damage the image of the election and the country, and said strict action would be taken against returning officers, assistant returning officers, presiding officers and others concerned if any irregularities or ballot box snatching occur. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said a Central Law and Order Coordination Cell has already been formed at the Ministry of Home Affairs to monitor the overall election situation. Representatives of law enforcement agencies will be stationed there to ensure quick information sharing and rapid response to any emerging situation. He also said the Election Security App–2026, developed by the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC), would play an effective role in maintaining law and order. The app will connect law enforcement agencies, election officials and the ministry’s central control room to receive and resolve complaints swiftly. The adviser instructed authorities to issue entry passes quickly to election observers and ensure journalists are provided identity cards and full cooperation. He said the law and order situation on polling day must be improved so that voters can cast their votes in a joyful and festive atmosphere. BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman and Bangladesh Police Additional IGP (Crime and Ops) Khandaker Rafiqul Islam spoke as special guests at the meeting, chaired by Home Ministry Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani.

Home Affairs Adviser retired Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday said there is no doubt that the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12 will be free, fair and impartial. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting a mock polling centre at Tetuljhora High School in Savar in the afternoon. The mock polling exercise was organised ahead of the national election by the Savar Upazila administration in coordination with the Bangladesh Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), RAB, Ansar, police, Fire Service, village police and Bangladesh Scouts. Home Adviser orders Coast Guard to maintain neutrality during election duties “The election will be held in a free, fair and neutral manner. There is not the slightest doubt about it,” the Home Affairs Adviser said. He also said those expressing doubts about the election represent only a small group. “They are speaking from abroad after fleeing the country. If they have the courage, they should come back and speak here,” he added. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury expressed confidence that voters across the country would turn out in large numbers and participate spontaneously in the polls. “When people go to the polling centres, those spreading confusion will be left embarrassed,” he said. Home Affairs Adviser directs strict action against election code violations The adviser also said efforts would be made to change the uniform of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in order to uphold the force’s dignity. Home Secretary Nasimul Gani, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam and other senior officials were present at the event.

The government has decided to rename the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) as Special Intervention Force (SIF). Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced the decision on Tuesday following a meeting of the law-and-order core committee at the Bangladesh Secretariat. RAB, an elite law enforcement unit in Bangladesh, was formed for combating serious crimes, terrorism, and organised criminal activities in 2003. Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, RAB is a composite force made up of personnel from the Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Ansar. The force has played a crucial role in counter-terrorism operations, anti-drug campaigns, and high-profile criminal investigations across the country. Govt to buy 163 vehicles for RAB directly from Pragati Industries RAB was established on July 12, 2003, under the Armed Police Battalion (Amendment) Act, 2003, which amended the Armed Forces Battalion Ordinance of 1979. Since its inception, RAB has faced criticism from human rights organisations over alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.  

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday instructed members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard to maintain strict political neutrality and professionalism during election duties, warning of severe consequences for any form of bias. Speaking at a medal distribution ceremony at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Jahangir Alam said the force must play its role with honesty and integrity to ensure that the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum, scheduled for 12 February 2026, are conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner. He said there was ‘no scope whatsoever’ for Coast Guard personnel to engage with any political party, individual or agenda during the election period. As state employees, the adviser added, their primary responsibility was to uphold the law, ensure public security and serve the public interest. Home Affairs Adviser directs strict action against election code violations The Home Adviser warned that any member found supporting a candidate or implementing a party agenda would face strict departmental and legal action, with no leniency. Even minor displays of bias would not be tolerated, he said. According to Jahangir Alam, the credibility of the election would largely depend on the honesty, efficiency and professionalism of those deployed on duty. He also cautioned against unethical conduct, negligence or yielding to temptation, saying such actions would invite severe punishment. Extra forces, drones, CCTV to guard risky polling centres: Home Adviser Describing corruption as the ‘greatest enemy of the state’, he said it weakened institutions from within and eroded public trust. Pursuing personal gain or political benefit, he added, was not only illegal but also damaging to the foundations of the state. The Home Adviser reminded personnel that the Bangladesh Coast Guard is funded by taxpayers and exists solely to ensure national security and public welfare. On election security arrangements, he said around 3,585 Coast Guard members had been deployed alongside nearly 900,000 personnel from various law enforcement agencies. He said some 100 Coast Guard platoons were currently operating across districts in the Barishal, Chattogram and Khulna divisions. Jahangir Alam also highlighted the government’s commitment to modernising the Coast Guard. He said procurement was underway for bulletproof high-speed boats and surveillance drones equipped with ground control stations. Twelve surveillance drones donated by the Australian Border Force had already been inducted, he added. Further development plans include the construction of a multi-role response vessel and two offshore patrol vessels with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Future initiatives would also involve the induction of helicopters, rescue drones and a coastal surveillance system. The Home Adviser congratulated the medal recipients and expressed hope that Coast Guard personnel, guided by patriotism, would continue to serve the country with honesty and dedication to help build a peaceful, secure and prosperous Bangladesh.  

The government will deploy additional security forces along with drones, CCTV cameras and dog squads, at sensitive polling centres to ensure a peaceful national election, Home Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Monday. Body-worn cameras and round-the-clock monitoring would be used at vulnerable centres to prevent any form of misconduct during voting, he told reporters after the Barishal Division Law and Order Coordination Meeting. Barishal divisional administration organised the meeting at the Barishal District Shilpakala Academy auditorium. Home Ministry forms law and order coordination cell ahead of polls Jahangir Alam said the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre’s Election Security App 2026 would also be operational during the polls. “We successfully used this app during last year’s Durga Puja. Anyone attempting to create disorder will not succeed,” he said. He instructed the authorities to take firm action against miscreants or terrorists attempting to disrupt or influence the election process. He asked the authorities concerned to conduct coordinated operations in remote and riverine areas,  special drives against criminals, extortionists, drug traffickers and other offenders. Addressing election officials and law enforcement personnel, he he said the public and political parties have high expectations from the upcoming election and it is the responsibility of authorities to meet them. He asked officials to remain vigilant to prevent even minor lapses that could damage public confidence or the country’s image. “There will be no compromise on law and order. Any attempt to disrupt public safety must be dealt with strictly. Maximum professionalism is required before, during and after voting,” he said. He warned that no negligence, gap or deviation in election security management would be tolerated.  

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday reaffirmed that the February-12 national election will proceed as scheduled, dismissing any speculation about any possible delay, or threats to its stability. “The terrorists who were active in the past fled the country after August 5 and those who supported terrorism are no longer present. They lack the courage and are now making various statements from hiding,” he said while speaking at the passing-out parade of the 63rd batch of the basic training course for prison guards at the parade ground of Kashimpur Central Jail in Gazipur. The adviser urged foreign countries to return fugitives involved in militancy and fascist activities to Bangladesh. Nearly 9 lakh law enforcers to be deployed during polls: Home Adviser Turning to the corruption issue, he said, “Corruption not only causes economic damage but also weakens state institutions from within and erodes public trust…it is the number one enemy of the state.” About jail management, Jahangir Alam said any prison official who works for personal interest, greed or political gain not only violates the law but also undermines the foundation of the state. “Prisons are sensitive and vital institutions and an integral part of the criminal justice system.” Noting that protecting the fundamental rights of inmates and reintegrating them into society as reformed citizens is a responsibility of the state, the adviser said, “By embracing the great responsibility of patriotism, prison officers play a crucial role in establishing a non-discriminatory, fair, transparent and accountable prison administration.” Police must remain 100% neutral during elections: Home Adviser He also expressed the hope that the newly trained guards would contribute effectively to building a transparent, accountable and justice-based prison administration driven by patriotism. Earlier, Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General Syed Muhammad Motahar Hussain, along with other senior officials, welcomed the chief guest upon his arrival. The adviser received a guard of honour and witnessed physical drills and unarmed self-defence demonstrations by the trainees. A total of 866 male and female prison guards participated in the basic training course, which began on September 14.  

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday directed law enforcement agencies to maintain absolute neutrality while performing election duties, warning them against accepting any unethical benefits, favours or hospitality from political parties. “Police are not protectors of any political party, rather they are government employees who are paid by taxpayers' money. The main responsibility of the police force is to serve the people and ensure the rule of law,” he said. The Home Adviser came up with the information while speaking at the passing-out parade of Assistant Superintendents of Police at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi. Referring to the election-time duties, the adviser said the protection of human dignity and the rule of law largely depended on the conduct of field-level police personnel. Significant progress in Hadi murder probe: Home Adviser “Peace cannot be established by the use of force alone without gaining public trust. The law enforcers are fully prepared to ensure a free, fair and neutral upcoming national parliamentary election as nearly one lakh police personnel have been given special training to ensure election security,” he added. If any chaos created at polling centres during the election, it must be dealt with firmly in line with the advice of the returning officers, he said. Claiming that Bangladesh Police is not an ordinary force, the adviser said police should act as a servant of the state and the people. Mentioning corruption as the biggest enemy of the state, the adviser said corruption destroys an institution from within and undermines public trust. If any police officer neglects their duties for personal gain or political advantage, they weaken the very foundation of the state. Police officers may face various pressures and criticism in their professional lives, but honesty and patriotism can overcome all obstacles, he said. No force can stop elections if people are determined: Home Adviser The adviser also urged the police to build a corruption-free, impartial, humane, courageous and proud police force by upholding the sacrifices of the people and the expectations of future generations. A total of 96 trainee officers of the 41st BCS (Police) batch, which began training on February 15, last year, formally entered their professional careers through the passing-out parade. Besides, 87 trainees from the 41st BCS (Police) batch, one trainee from the 28th BCS, three from the 35th BCS, one from the 36th BCS, two from the 37th BCS and two from the 40th BCS were also present there.  

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Genl (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday issued a firm warning to members of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP), directing them to stay away from any unethical, partisan or duty-breaching activities that could undermine the credibility of the national election. Speaking at a passing-out parade at the Ansar and VDP Academy in Safipur, the adviser made it clear that any attempt to influence or obstruct the electoral process would not be tolerated, stressing that Ansar members must uphold professionalism, neutrality and strict adherence to the law. The ceremony marked the completion of the 21st basic training of the 41st BCS (Ansar) cadre officers, the basic training of newly appointed thana and upazila trainers, and the basic training of the 26th and 27th batches of Ansar Battalion male recruit sepoys. Jahangir Alam said 5,55,958 Ansar-VDP members would be deployed at 42,766 polling centres across the country during the forthcoming national election. Each polling centre will have 13 members, including three armed personnel, six unarmed male members and four unarmed female members, he said. The adviser said 1,191 Ansar Battalion striking force teams would be deployed nationwide, with 10 members in each team, totalling 11,910 personnel. The deployment, he noted, would significantly reinforce the overall election security framework. Calling for collective responsibility, the adviser said ensuring a free, fair and impartial election was a sacred duty essential for safeguarding the country’s future and must be carried out with integrity, discipline and professionalism. He also delivered a strong message against corruption, describing it as the biggest enemy of the state. “Corruption does not only inflict economic damage; it corrodes state institutions from within and destroys public confidence,” he said. The adviser warned that any Ansar member acting out of personal interest, greed or political gain would not only be breaking the law but also weakening the foundations of the state. “Bangladesh Ansar and VDP is not a force of any political party or vested group. It is a state institution funded by taxpayers’ money,” he said. Election disruption attempts to be met with iron hand: Home Adviser Jahangir Alam urged members not to comply with any illegal orders, vested agendas or partisan instructions under any circumstances. At the event, four outstanding trainees were awarded crests by the chief guest for their exemplary performance. Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, along with other senior officials of the force, attended the programme. Guardians of the trainees were also present.

In response to a statement that advisers are seeking a ‘safe exit’, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam on Sunday said he has no reason to do so. “My sons and daughters are in the country. What am I supposed to do alone about the safe exit? If anyone wants it, that is their personal matter — but what would I do with a safe exit?” he told reporters after a core committee meeting on the law and order situation at the Secretariat. Regarding the recovery of stolen firearms, the adviser said he might provide an update at the next meeting after consulting with the Inspector General of Police (IGP). “Measures are being taken so that no one can create instability during the next general election period. Not all weapons are recovered immediately — that’s why law enforcement agencies exist. If every weapon were recovered, there would be no need for them,” he said. The adviser expressed the hope that the upcoming general election would be held smoothly. Advisers in no need of 'safe exit': Asif Nazrul When asked whether the trial of accused army personnel would take place while they remain in military custody, or if the ministry had issued any directives, he said, “Whatever the law prescribes will be followed.” Directives have been issued to deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, Upazila Nirbahi Officers and officers-in-charge to perform their duties impartially during the upcoming national election at the field level, he said. To ensure security during the parliamentary polls, all risky polling stations will be brought under CCTV surveillance with effective monitoring, he said, adding that an adequate number of body-worn cameras will also be provided for law enforcers and election officials. Rizwana dismisses ‘safe exit’ speculations, vows lifelong commitment to Bangladesh Those who performed duties during the 2014, 2018 and 2024 national elections will be avoided as much as possible this time, the adviser said. Law enforcement patrols and intelligence monitoring will be intensified to prevent any deterioration of law and order centring the election, and training for law enforcement personnel will be completed as quickly as possible, he added. Meanwhile, some 1,50,000 police members will receive election duty training across 130 venues in 28 batches. Training for the first batch (6,500 officers) has been completed, while the second batch is underway. The final phase of police training began on 5 October 2025 and is expected to be completed by 15 January 2026, he said. “To ensure a smooth voting process, any individual or group attempting to create chaos will be identified and brought under the law. A coordinated action plan will be adopted to guarantee a free and neutral election,” he said. Regarding Ansar and VDP personnel, Jahangir Alam said around 5,85,000 members — 13 for each of the 45,000 polling centres — will receive pre-election training. Among them, 1,35,000 will receive armed training and 4,50,000 unarmed. The training will conclude by mid-January. Ansar Battalion members will also serve as striking forces, with 3,157 new recruits currently undergoing training, he said. A total of 1,100 platoons, each consisting of 33,000 members, from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will be deployed across the country. Training for 60% of BGB members has already been completed, and the rest is expected to finish by 31 December this year, he said. In addition, around 80,000 armed forces personnel will also be deployed for the polls, he added. The government is taking all necessary measures to prevent any deterioration of law and order centring the demarcation of constituencies, he said.