United News of Bangladesh

Garment workers must be paid their Eid bonus within May and salary between June 1 and 3, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury instructed on Monday. “Garment workers must be given their bonus by the end of May. Salary must be cleared between June 1 and 3,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting of the law and order coordination committee ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. He urged factory owners to accept the workers’ logical demands. The adviser warned that law enforcement agencies will take action if any attempt is made to block roads or disrupt public movement over irrational demands. Retired customs and VAT officers urge govt to revise new revenue ordinance Besides, he said, no buses, trains or launches would be allowed to carry passengers beyond their capacity during the Eid and the same rule will apply to vehicles transporting sacrificial animals. “There will always be various demands from different groups. We urge all ministries to address the justified ones. But no one should resort to irrational demands,” he said. Rizwana for developing habit of using cloth, jute bags instead of polythene The adviser urged all to raise their concerns from within their respective premises avoiding public inconvenience.    

Legal action will be taken against all those found responsible for the departure of the former President Abdul Hamid from the country, reiterated Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday. “Some officials have already been suspended and others have been attached (transferred) pending investigation. Once the committee submits its findings, necessary legal actions will be taken against those found guilty,” he said while talking to reporters after visiting the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the morning. A probe committee has been formed asking it to submit its report within three working days, he said. The adviser also mentioned that his visit to the airport was part of an effort to observe current immigration procedures firsthand. Italy keen to take Bangladeshi workers: Home Adviser “I haven’t travelled abroad since 2011. So, I arrived here to understand the system better. I found that the immigration process has improved significantly compared to the past,” he added. When asked about the existence of a travel restriction issued by the Special Branch (SB) against the former president prior to his departure, Chowdhury said, “I am not aware whether any such restriction was sent to us. I currently have no information on that. Since you've mentioned it, I will look into the matter.” Will quit if fail to punish those who helped Hamid to fly abroad: Home Adviser    He emphasised that the investigation committee will thoroughly examine all aspects and ensure accountability. “Those who are guilty will definitely be punished,” the adviser said. The former president left the country for Thailand through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka early Thursday. A three-member inquiry committee headed by the Additional IG (Administration) was formed in connection with the departure of former President Abdul Hamid to Thailand.  

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday called on police officials to foster a more people-friendly image of the force by demonstrating improved behaviour, greater service-mindedness and genuine sincerity. He was addressing a views-exchange meeting with police officials at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh of the city on the occasion of Police Week 2025. The home adviser said that police members have to win public trust by avoiding harassment and providing fair service without political influence or corruption. “No one takes undue benefits, and police must stay away from bribes and irregularities,” he said. Highlighting challenges within the police force, the adviser said his visits to various police units and stations revealed acute problems in accommodation and food for lower-tier personnel. He mentioned that steps are being taken to solve the transport crisis, including a proposal to procure 200 pickup vans for police stations, which is under consideration by the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase. He emphasised that patience is a key quality for police officers, adding that many issues can be resolved through discussion. Unnecessary use of force or baton charge have to be avoided, he noted. The adviser said the government is working for the long-term welfare of police personnel. Steps are underway to lift the ceiling on risk allowances for constables and sub-inspectors, enabling higher payments, he added. Home adviser asks OCs to refrain from taking bribe He also mentioned that initiatives have been taken to provide loans for purchasing motorcycles, initially targeting sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors, with a proposal for the government to pay interest payments. Considering family needs, the government is planning to prioritise postings within the same district for police couples and to keep lower-ranking officials closer to their home districts. Acknowledging a manpower shortage in the police force, the home adviser instructed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take necessary steps to expand the organisational structure. In response to evolving crime patterns, he also called for increased training and deployment of capable officers in training institutes. Issues such as establishing traffic boxes/shelters, setting up tents for night patrol units, and conducting strong operations against drug kingpins were also discussed during the meeting. Pope Francis was source of controversy and spiritual guidance in his Argentine homeland Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser to the Ministry of Home Affairs Md Khoda Bux Chowdhury, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Ghani and Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali were, among others, present. The session opened with a welcome speech by IGP Baharul Alam. Members from all units of the Bangladesh Police participated in the session. The adviser later joined a Q&A session, responding to various queries from police officials.  

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Col (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday asked authorities concerned to take necessary steps to stop the officers-in-charge (OCs) from taking bribes. The home adviser issued the instruction while talking to reporters after attending the views-exchange meeting with the government officers and organisations in Jashore on Tuesday. He also said that attempts to revive corrupt practices like "oil trading" in the police force, should be stopped. The adviser also stressed the need for enhancing community policing to improve law and order situation. EU urged to open visa centre for Bangladeshis in Dhaka: Home Adviser The adviser also asked the law enforcers to recover weapons looted during the July mass uprising and to keep vigil on top terrorists, released on bail. He also instructed to take a strong stance against drugs and if anyone failing to take action against drugs might lose  job. “We do not want to open rehabilitation centres just focused on stopping drug trafficking,” he said. 7 Bangladeshis return home through Beanpole after serving jail terms in India The  adviser also claimed that after taking charge of the office, it was possible to stop the recruitment trade in the police and transfer trade has also been under control. He warned that anyone lobbying in his name would be offered tea and snacks for the first time and then handed over to law enforcement for a second time.

Home Affairs Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Saturday that steps are being taken to improve housing and food quality for lower-ranking police personnel. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists following his inspection of three police stations in the capital — Airport, Uttara West and Turag. “The main purpose of today’s visit was to look after the accommodation and meal arrangements for the subordinate police force,” the adviser said. “During the inspection, I found their living conditions are very poor. The Chief Adviser has instructed us to look into how this can be improved. That’s why we are visiting various police stations on the ground,” he told the reporters. To reduce public suffering and improve the quality of services at police stations, he said, each police station in the capital will gradually be relocated to its own land and premises. “Efforts are underway to arrange the necessary funding for this. From September 1, nine police stations will be relocated to new or permanent locations. Others will be shifted in phases,” he added. In response to a question about harassment in false cases filed during the former fascist government, the adviser said, “Police have long been instructed to ensure that no one is harassed in false cases.” Home Adviser warns police of action over failure to control AL rallies He also directed the respective officers-in-charge (OCs) to maintain regular communication with the media and provide accurate information. Regarding the law and order situation, the adviser said it is gradually improving. “In a country of 180 million people, maintaining law and order is not an easy task. Just as it took time for journalists to assemble in an organized manner in front of the police station for a press briefing, we ask for time as well. The situation will continue to improve,” he added. He also warned that if any police inaction is found in response to Awami League activities or sudden processions, strict action will be taken.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Col (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday warned that disciplinary action would be taken against police officials if they fail to control future Awami League rallies. He made the remarks in response to a journalist’s queries regarding police inaction during recent AL processions, following a visit to the Airport Police Station in the capital. “Two people have already been detained. Instructions have been issued to the police to prevent such rallies from taking place in the future,” he said. The adviser mentioned that efforts are underway to further improve the country’s overall law and order situation. In response to queries about police officers remaining in their previous postings despite transfer orders, he said action would be taken if specific information is provided. NCP delegation led by Nahid joins talks with Consensus Commission On the issue of police transfers, he said, “We are considering whether general police personnel can be assigned within the same division. When officers are posted far from their families, it limits their leave days. They are entitled to only 20 days of annual leave, and often we are unable to grant even that. That is why we are looking into the possibility of intra-divisional postings.” The adviser also said his visit to police stations was aimed at assessing and improving accommodation and food facilities for police personnel.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam on Tuesday clarified that it is the people, not he, who have expressed the view that the interim government should remain in place for five more years. “I didn’t say that — people said the interim government should stay for five years, although our Chief Adviser has clearly stated that elections will be held between December and June. There is no question of me speaking about it,” he said at the Secretariat responding to a question about his recent remarks in Kishoreganj concerning the interim government. The adviser said influential figures, or ‘big fish’, within the Awami League who are accused of various wrongdoings are being brought to justice. Home adviser sees no specific security threat centering Pahela Baishakh When asked why only grassroots activists were being arrested while top-level offenders remained free, Jahangir Alam replied, “I don’t fully agree with that. We’re not letting the big fish go—but they have to get caught in the net first. Unless they do, we cannot catch them. Whoever enters the net, we are catching. If someone escapes after being caught, then you may question us.” About the incident of vandalism at a stage during Pahela Baishakh celebrations at Chattogram’s DC Hill, the adviser said, “That should not have happened. We will work to ensure such incidents do not recur in future. We are working for the people. But sometimes we fail to reach them effectively. We are trying, and where we fall short, we are making corrections.” Legal framework against trafficking strengthened in Bangladesh: Home Adviser Jahangir also mentioned that new police uniforms and a new logo will be introduced gradually. Speaking about the overall law and order situation during the Bengali New Year and the closing days of Chaitra, the adviser said the celebrations were peaceful and inclusive across all communities. He expressed gratitude to the law enforcement agencies and all others involved for ensuring that people could participate in the festivities safely and joyfully. Asked why people are still not receiving the services they expect from police stations, amid rising criminal activity across the country, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Khoda Baksh Chowdhury, acknowledged that there are widespread complaints about police failing to take reports seriously. “To address this, we’re planning to introduce online facilities for lodging General Diaries (GDs) and First Information Reports (FIRs). Online GDs will be piloted in two districts soon,” he said, adding that a formal statement will be issued from police headquarters in this regard. “We’ll soon make it possible to file FIRs online. We hope this will lead to a lasting solution to the problem,” he added.  

Police are yet to be fully revived from the violence and arson attacks the force had suffered during the August 5 uprising,  said Home Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Thursday. Not a single vehicle was bought for them (police stations) to replace those burnt during the protests, he said adding that,the situation will improve if budget is allocated. The adviser was talking to reporters after inspecting the Airport police station in Sylhet city in the morning. Warning of tougher action against those who will take law at their own hands, Jahangir said the law and order situation is now much better compared to the past and police now don’t fear mob violence with most of the accused being detained. Home adviser sees no specific security threat centering Pahela Baishakh Seeing it a possible security threat if the looted arms remain untraced, the home adviser said the government has been working to recover the arms. Asked about the red alert against Sheikh Hasina by the Interpol, he replied that he does not have any update in this regard. Meanwhile, a video showing the adviser chiding police officials who arranged the red carpet reception for him went viral on social media. In the video, it was seen that Jahangir was asking why was such an arrangement made for him as he visited the police station with a short notice.  

Bangladesh on Tuesday sought the cooperation of Singapore in repatriating fugitives who have fled the country and taken refuge in the island state. The request was made by Home Affairs Adviser Lt General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury during a courtesy meeting with Singapore’s Non-Resident Ambassador Derek Loh at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the afternoon. During the meeting, the Adviser praised Singapore for its corruption-free governance and exceptional development model, suggesting that Bangladesh could follow Singapore’s example to build a more transparent and efficient system. “Singapore is a developed and corruption-free country, equipped with all modern facilities. Over the past few decades, they have made remarkable progress in infrastructure and information technology,” said Chowdhury. “It has become a major destination for global tourists due to its efficient services and integrity. Singapore is a role model in delivering public services without corruption. We should adopt their model to make Bangladesh corruption-free,” he added. A wide range of bilateral issues were discussed in the meeting, including law enforcement cooperation, public safety, manpower export, fire incident investigations, repatriation of fugitives, prevention of human trafficking, protection of human rights, and technical assistance related to the implementation of Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. DR Yunus to hold breakfast meetings with Chinese, Korean investors to fast-track investment Welcoming Ambassador Loh, the Adviser described Singapore as one of Bangladesh’s closest allies and acknowledged the significant contributions of Bangladeshi workers in Singapore’s development. He called for an increased intake of Bangladeshi manpower by Singapore. In response, the Ambassador noted that Bangladeshis constitute around 5 percent of Singapore’s population and agreed that stronger people-to-people engagement is essential to further deepen the mutual trust and friendship between the two nations. The Adviser also highlighted the efficiency of Bangladeshi firefighters but noted that the country still lacks adequate capacity when it comes to investigating large-scale fire incidents. He requested technical support from Singapore in this area, to which Ambassador Loh responded that he would initiate discussions with Singapore’s Civil Defence Department. Addressing the issue of fugitives, the Adviser stated, “Several criminals from Bangladesh have sought refuge in Singapore. We need Singapore’s assistance in bringing them back to face justice.” He also proposed the signing of a mutual legal assistance agreement between the two countries. Ambassador Loh recommended that Bangladesh formally send a letter through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the matter. Rohingya repatriation hinges on Arakan stability: Khalilur Rahman The meeting was attended by Mitchell Lee, Chargé d'Affaires of the Singapore High Commission in Dhaka, and Rahul Isaac, Country Officer at the Directorate for South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa under Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with senior officials from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs.

Highlighting the importance of public awareness in dealing with human trafficking, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Sunday that Bangladesh remains steadfast in its commitment to combating human trafficking and continues to take concrete steps towards that goal. He made the remarks while addressing the third meeting of the BIMSTEC Sub-Group on Combating Human Trafficking, held at Surma Hall of the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. The adviser said Bangladesh has established a strong legal framework to hold traffickers accountable and is actively working to enhance border security. Extortion fuels unrest in CHT: Home Adviser “We are taking active measures such as adopting a national action plan, establishing a national referral mechanism hosted on a web platform to identify trafficking victims, assess their needs and connect them with appropriate services,” he said. Jahangir said a dedicated tribunal has been established to expedite trials of traffickers, and public awareness campaigns have been systematically integrated into the country’s anti-trafficking strategy. Bangladesh has also expanded mutual legal assistance with BIMSTEC and other countries to enhance regional cooperation, he added. The adviser said BIMSTEC member states have taken significant steps to fight human trafficking and expressed hope that the meeting would serve as a platform to share those initiatives and experiences. He warned that traffickers constantly adopt new tactics to evade government efforts, exploiting economic hardship and misusing technology to operate clandestinely. “A collective and strategic approach is necessary to tackle this crime,” he said, stressing BIMSTEC’s key role in facilitating intelligence sharing and best practices among member states. Chief Adviser Dr Yunus returns home from BIMSTEC Summit Jahanigr also expressed sincere gratitude to the member countries for entrusting Bangladesh with the BIMSTEC chairmanship for the next two years. He said Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is committed to leading BIMSTEC with an inclusive, action-oriented, and visionary approach. “Under his capable and inspiring leadership, we are confident that BIMSTEC will reach new heights in fostering cooperation and deepening relationships among member states.” Jahangir said the meeting provided a valuable opportunity to discuss strategies, share experiences, and reaffirm BIMSTEC’s collective commitment to preventing human trafficking across the region. “The outcomes of this meeting will serve as a catalyst for stronger policy development, effective implementation, and deeper regional cooperation,” he added. Delivering the welcome address at the event, Khandker Md Mahbubur Rahman, additional secretary to Political and ICT Wing of the Public Security Division at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Chair of the BIMSTEC Sub-Group meeting, emphasised the importance of collective efforts in tackling the issue. Prasanth Chandran, Director of the BIMSTEC Secretariat in Dhaka, delivered a goodwill speech. Representatives from the seven BIMSTEC member states— Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan, participated in the meeting.