United News of Bangladesh

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.  

Members of law enforcement agencies will be deployed across the country from Wednesday to ensure peaceful celebrations of Durga Puja, said Home Affairs adviser Lt Gen (retired) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday. “Besides, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs will appoint 80,000 volunteers during the festival this year as it is important for all of us to remain vigilant,” he said while talking to reporters following a meeting of the Advisory Council on Law and Order at the Secretariat. The adviser said that incidents of idol vandalism have significantly decreased this year. “Those involved in idol vandalism are being identified through CCTV footages.” Asked about the recent statement of an organisaiton that 29 districts were identified as vulnerable during the upcoming Puja celebrations, the adviser said, “Which 29 districts are at risk? If you provide the list, we will take necessary action. No such information has been shared with us. Based on our own assessments, we identify risk-prone areas ahead of time and take preventive measures accordingly.” The adviser said, Puja will be held peacefully across the country this year. There is no place that can be considered highly vulnerable. When his attention was drawn to a statement by members of the Hindu community, which said about the idol vandalism, the adviser said, “You can see for yourself whether the number of vandalism incidents is high this year. I won’t say that no incidents have occurred at all, but in such cases, the community itself also shares responsibility. Where CCTV cameras were installed, the perpetrators have already been identified and apprehended. There is no significant issue at the local level. People from all communities are celebrating together peacefully.” “I won’t deny that minor incidents have occurred in one or two places but legal action is being taken immediately in those cases,” he said. Responding to a question about the upcoming election, the home adviser said, “We can assure you that the election will be peaceful and festive. Many people will express different opinions, but ultimately, all will come to a resolution.” Referring to the smuggling, the adviser said that narcotics are entering the country through various routes and goods such as rice, fertiliser and medicines are also being smuggled out. These smuggling are not limited to Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram routes but also continuing through river routes in Barishal and Barguna, he added. A large quantity of drugs is being seized as Arakan Army survives based on drug trade, he said.    

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday warned that the government will enforce the law to clear roads and railways in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur district if the ongoing blockade is not resolved shortly. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the law and order committee at the Secretariat, the adviser said the protesters should present their demands through proper channels instead of holding millions of people hostage. “This cannot be tolerated. If they do not resolve the issue by this afternoon, we will apply the law to at least clear the roads,” he said. The protesters continued the blockade programme for the fifth day on Sunday, demanding reinstatement of the Faridpur-4 parliamentary constituency boundary. The demonstrators blocked seven points on two highways and three points on rail tracks, causing severe disruption to transport and immense suffering for people across 21 districts in the country’s southwest region. Faridpur protesters block highways, railways for 5th day over constituency demarcation At around 9am, protesters stopped the Nakshikatha train at Hamirdi railway crossing on the Rajbari–Faridpur–Dhaka line, forcing passengers to disembark. Expressing frustration over the disruption, passenger Bachchu Matubber from Rasulpur village in Saltha upazila of Faridpur said he was forced to get off while travelling to Dhaka with a sack of onions for his daughter. The demonstrations follow the Election Commission’s recent gazette, which redrew boundaries for 46 parliamentary constituencies ahead of the upcoming national election. According to the gazette, Algi and Hamirdi unions of Bhanga upazila, previously under Faridpur-4, have been attached to Nagar Kanda upazila under Faridpur-2.

Home and Agriculture Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday said no extortionist regardless of their influence or position will be spared. “Action is being taken against extortionists. They are being brought under the purview of law. No matter how powerful they are, measures will be taken against them,” he told reporters replying to a question after visiting Mohammadpur Krishi Market in the capital. About the national election, he said, it will be held in the scheduled month as announced by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. “If people remain election-oriented, no one will be able to stop it,” the adviser added. On the issue of commodity prices, Jahangir Alam said vegetable prices have gone up due to heavy rainfall. Over 80,000 army personnel to be deployed during election: Home Adviser “The market is largely stable, but the prices of leafy vegetables have increased. There is enough stock of potatoes. When the produce moves from wholesale to retail, the prices rise significantly. Unfortunately, farmers are not getting fair prices, while middlemen are making profits,” he added.

Police will soon submit the chargesheet in the murder case of journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin, who was hacked to death in Gazipur city, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday. The home adviser said this while talking to reporters after a meeting of the core committee on law and order. When asked whether the chargesheet can be submitted within 7 to 14 days as the video footage clearly shows what happened, the adviser said, "We are trying our best to submit the chargesheet as quickly as possible. A few accused individuals are still at large, but we are working on it." Reward to be offered for information on looted police arms: Home Adviser He, however, lamented the lack of public action in saving Tuhin who was attacked and killed publicly by armed miscreants.     "We, as a nation, have become intolerant. When any untoward incident takes place, people are expected to try and stop it,” he said, adding “These days, people are more interested in making videos. Even if someone just had hurled a mobile phone at the attacker, it could have an impact. But unfortunately, this civic resistance is disappearing. Crimes are taking place in broad daylight and no one is stepping forward to stop them,” he said. Terming the Gazipur incident as extremely tragic, the adviser said —“No one in our society can even think of such an incident happening. But the incident has occurred.” Referring to those involved in Gazipur journo murder, the adviser said most of the people involved in the killing have already been held. “We will take all necessary measures to ensure the culprits are punished accordingly,” he said. Tuhin, a staff reporter of Mymensingh-based Dainik Protidiner Kagoj, was killed on Thursday night.    

Superintendents of Police (SPs) and officers-in-charge (OCs) of different police stations across the country will be transferred through a lottery system ahead of the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday. “SPs and OCs will be given new postings through a lottery system before the election and all relevant officials will be transferred through this process,” said the adviser. The Home Adviser came up with the disclosure while talking to reporters after a meeting at the Secretariat, held to finalise operational plans for law enforcement agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming national election. The lottery for appointing Superintendents of Police (SPs) will be held at the Home Ministry, the adviser said, adding that a similar lottery will be conducted for the posting of OCs, based on departmental divisions. The appointments of both SPs and OCs will be finalised through this lottery system a few days before the announcement of the election schedule. Referring to the Chief Adviser’s address to the nation, Jahangir said, “The Chief Adviser has already announced that preparations for the election have begun. Today’s discussion is a continuation of that.” The meeting also discussed the logical support required during the election period, he added. Mentioning that deputy commissioners (DCs), SPs, Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) and OCs play a crucial role during elections, the adviser said, adding, “Candidates demand officials of their preference in their constituencies during elections. So, we have decided to hold the lottery publicly in front of the media to ensure neutrality.” After the announcement of the election schedule, matters relating to transfers and postings will fall under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission (EC). “We will do our job and if the EC wants to make any changes, they will be able to do so.” Regarding the postings of DCs, the adviser said, “The Ministry of Public Administration will decide how to handle the DCs’ postings. We hope they will follow a similar approach.” Mentioning that each polling centre should get one body camera, the adviser said, “How many forces will be needed to conduct the election properly was also discussed at the meeting and we will try to provide a body camera there. Discussions were held on how to purchase it and who will keep it.” When asked who would use the body cameras, the Home Ministry boss said, “We will try to provide one body camera for each of the 47,000 polling centres. The senior-most police officer at the centre will carry the body camera.” More importantly, he said, 8 lakh law enforcement personnel will be on duty in the upcoming elections and all of them will receive training. Necessary arrangements will also be made so that presiding officers can stay at the polling centres instead of at someone’s houses, he said adding “They will be accompanied by members of Ansar, police and other forces.” He mentioned that all law enforcement agencies will receive training ahead of the election.   “We have requested the Election Commission to arrange training for polling and presiding officers. After their training, we will conduct mock drills involving law enforcement members to ensure smooth election operations. Each force will train its members in their respective venues,” the adviser added. Asked whether there is any measure to deal with vote rigging allegations against any police, the adviser said, “We will do our best to ensure a fair election. With your (media’s) cooperation, I believe there will be no problems.” On Tuesday, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said he, on behalf of the interim government, will send a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner so that the Election Commission can hold the national election before the next Ramadan in February next.

Some 114 unidentified victims killed during the July Uprising and buried in Rayerbazar Intellectual Graveyard will be identified soon, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday.“We have begun the process of identifying the bodies. Once confirmed, the families may decide whether to leave the remains there or move that elsewhere,” he said while talking to reporters during a visit to the Rayerbazar graveyard in the morning.Earlier, the families of the deceased were initially reluctant to assist the authorities in the identification process but now they have agreed to cooperate with, he said, adding, “This graveyard holds a mass grave of 114 people whose identities remain unconfirmed.” No security concern over August 5: Home AdviserHe also prayed for salvation of the departed souls.Raising concerns about reported irregularities in the graveyard’s construction work, the adviser said, “As you can see, the quality of materials used—bricks and gravel—is very poor.”Expressing regret, he said, “It is disheartening to see corruption even in the construction of graves for those who gave their lives for the country. This cannot be allowed to continue.” He urged journalists to expose such corruption. “Those responsible for these wrongdoings will be brought to justice,” he warned.Earlier in the day, the adviser visited Mohammadpur Police Station.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday accused India of forcibly pushing around 1,500 Bangladeshis across the border over the past month, while also attempting to push in Rohingyas. "The number of push-ins has decreased recently. While we are taking back our citizens, not accepting Rohingyas," he told reporters after visiting the RAB-11 office in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj. Bangladesh has asked India to repatriate Bangladeshis through proper procedures, as Bangladesh does with Indian nationals. “But they are leaving people in forests and by rivers, which is unacceptable. We are protesting this, and it’s having some effect,” he added. Army opened fire in Gopalganj as situation demanded: Home Adviser Regarding the recent mugging incident in Mohammadpur, the adviser said four suspects have been identified, three of them arrested along with a phone recovered. A probe body has been formed, and action will be taken against all involved. RAB DG AKM Shahidur Rahman, acting CO of RAB-11 Additional DIG Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, Deputy CO Major Anabil Imam, and Senior ASP Golam Morshed were present during the visit.

The government may exhume the bodies of five people killed during clashes at a National Citizen Party (NCP) rally in Gopalganj for post-mortems, if deemed necessary, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday. Talking to journalists after inspecting the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the capital, the adviser said, “The families of the deceased did not wish to have post-mortems carried out, which is why that was not done. However, if the government considers it necessary, there is still an opportunity to perform the autopsies.” He said the entire incident in Gopalganj was broadcast live by the media, leaving little room for concealment. “Everything happened in front of everyone.” In response to questions about who was responsible for the deadly clash, the adviser stated that a high-level investigation committee has already been formed. “The committee’s report will reveal the actual reasons behind the incident,” he said. Regarding the airport terminal visit, the adviser said that once fully operational, the third terminal will significantly ease passenger congestion and improve services. Govt doing everything lawfully in Gopalganj: Press Secretary Jahangir Alam said the Ministry of Home Affairs is fully prepared to make the terminal’s immigration services functional, with around 400 personnel expected to be deployed. Asked about the inauguration of the terminal, the adviser said, “That matter falls under another ministry. However, everything that falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs has been fully prepared.” Curfew relaxed for 14 hours in Gopalganj

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Thursday said those responsible for the violence in Gopalganj will be arrested and no mercy will be shown to them. "Those responsible for the incidents in Gopalganj will be brought to justice. There is no question of granting them impunity," he told reporters at the Secretariat when asked about Wednesday’s violence in Gopalganj. When asked whether intelligence agencies had any prior information about the incident, the adviser said, “The intelligence agencies had some information, but they were not aware of the extent of the violence that would occur.” Govt forms probe body over Gopalganj violence Referring to allegations from NCP leaders that law enforcement agencies failed to control the situation, the adviser said, “Anyone can say anything. Everyone is allowed to express their own opinions.” Responding to a query on what measures would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future, he said, “All necessary precautionary measures will be taken to ensure recurrence of such incidents, although the situation is currently under control.” Earlier, on Wednesday, at least four people were killed and several others injured in clashes between police and activists of Awami League and its associate bodies over a rally of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Gopalganj. Meanwhile, the government imposed a curfew in Gopalganj district amid heightened tensions over clashes between police and Awami League activists over an NCP rally. Curfew continues in Gopalganj; NCP's nationwide protests today The curfew will remain in force from 8pm on Wednesday to 6pm on Thursday, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Meanwhile, NCP announced a countrywide protest rally on Thursday in response to the attack on its rally in Gopalganj. NCP Convener Nahid Islam made the announcement at a press conference held at Khulna Press Club on Wednesday night.