United News of Bangladesh

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.  

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Saturday directed all police members to perform their duties with utmost vigilance, patience and neutrality during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He also instructed police personnel to ensure the use of body-worn cameras while on duty, saying the measure would help enhance transparency and accountability. The IGP gave the directives while speaking as the chief guest at an important pre-election meeting with police officers and force members held at the Civic Centre of Chattogram District Police Lines, ahead of the election. Read More: About 150,000 police receiving election training ahead of national polls: IGP In his address, IG Baharul said Bangladesh Police has been working with dedication and professionalism to maintain overall law and order and to ensure the safety of people’s lives and property. He called for further strengthening people-friendly policing and directed officers to deliver expected police services to the public in an easy and effective manner at their doorsteps. Chattogram Superintendent of Police Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan, in his welcome speech, extended warm greetings to the chief guest and other dignitaries. He emphasised the importance of police preparedness, professionalism and neutrality to ensure a free, fair and peaceful national election. During the meeting, police officers and force members from different levels shared their practical field experiences, election-related challenges and various welfare-related demands and proposals. Key issues raised included the supply of speedboats for island police stations, loan facilities for motorcycle purchases, introduction and enhancement of island allowances, and increased government benefits for election-duty personnel. Read More: 'Bodycams' to be used at risky polling centres: IGP Baharul  Additional IGP Hasib Aziz, Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, delivered a special speech, stressing the need to strengthen election-time security in the metropolitan area, enhance technology-based policing and improve inter-unit coordination. The concluding remarks were delivered by Additional IGP Md Ahsan Habib Palash, currently serving as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Chattogram Range. He urged all units to carry out election duties with discipline, professionalism and responsibility, following the IGP’s guidelines. Senior officials from Chattogram Range Office, Chattogram Metropolitan Police and 29 units under the Chattogram Division, along with a total of 458 officers and force members of various ranks, attended the meeting. The meeting was viewed as a significant directive-driven initiative aimed at boosting police morale and ensuring a free, fair, neutral and peaceful national election.