United News of Bangladesh

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Wednesday said the law and order situation will continue to improve and everything will be in order before the voting day. “It will improve gradually. As the polling day approaches, you will see everything will fall in line. Everything will be fine,” he said, replying to a question if the election is possible amid the current law and order situation. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after inspecting an election-related training and mock exercise organised by the 5th Battalion of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at Pilkhana in the capital. The CEC said, “I won’t say the law and order situation has reached a perfect level. You saw what the situation was on August 5, 2024. Now compare it with the current situation. Now you can sleep safely. You were able to come here safely. There was no difficulty on the way. So, it will improve further, gradually.” He said the Election Commission will sit again with law enforcement agencies on November 30 over specific proposals. “The development strategy will be finalised there." Nasir Uddin said law enforcement agencies are being deployed on the field with maximum preparedness to ensure a free, peaceful and neutral election. Don’t hire politically linked election observers: CEC Nasir “Today we saw a very well-conducted mock exercise here. It was fully designed considering our election culture. The training covered all conceivable dimensions of what usually happens during elections or how elections are conducted. I am very pleased,” he said. He said election duty does not come regularly — only once every four to five years — which is why the forces need special training. “BGB’s regular duties are in the border areas. We will provide election-related training to various law enforcement agencies,” he said, adding that Police are training their members at 130 centres based on election requirements. “We have earlier seen Ansar-VDP’s drills. They are undergoing training as well. This BGB exercise will play a very important role. They are preparing their members so they can perform their duties properly,” he said. The CEC said each law enforcement agency is responsibly preparing its members. “We expect this training will have a significant impact on maintaining election-time law and order. I hope all law enforcement agencies, journalists, and 130 million voters together will help us deliver a fair election.” About a political party’s announcement to resist the election, the CEC said, “All necessary steps will be taken against those who have announced resistance. Journalists, voters, and citizens — everyone must work together to prevent any unwanted situation.” Regarding the recent discussions about running the election by advisers of the interim government, he said it is a policy matter of the government. “The Election Commission will perform its duties according to the laws.” About risky polling stations, he said the EC has made a risk assessment. “Forces will be deployed according to three zones — red, yellow, and green,” he said. Commonwealth Secretary-General meets CEC, discusses election preparations Meanwhile, BGB informed that 1,210 platoons will be deployed nationwide during the upcoming 13th national election. BGB will carry out election duties in all upazilas across the country except Sandwip, Hatiya and Kutubdia. In 60 of the 115 border upazilas, BGB members will perform election duties independently. BGB Director General Major General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, senior BGB officers and EC officials were present at the mock exercise event.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday (November 19) said there is no unrest in the country following the tribunal’s death sentence handed down to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Talking to reporters at the Secretariat after an inter-ministerial security meeting held ahead of the Victory Day 2025 celebrations, the adviser reaffirmed that nothing unexpected had occurred in connection with the verdict. Read more: Hasina verdict: Security forces in tense standoff with group looking to storm Dhanmandi 32 Responding to questions about reports of unrest after the court’s decision and any potential threats ahead of Victory Day, Jahangir said no such incidents had taken place and there was no cause for concern regarding the upcoming national celebrations. He said the Victory Day events will proceed as scheduled and noted that there is no reason to anticipate any disturbance during the commemorations. Parade will not take place this year too, he said. Commenting on allegations that law enforcers picked up a journalist on Tuesday night, the adviser said he had only just been informed of the matter and would look into it. Read more: Home Adviser signals zero tolerance on unrest as election in February

Urging the government to be tougher and active on maintaining law and order, BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday (12th November 2025) said no one can obstruct the upcoming election by indulging in violence. “There is no reason to believe that anyone will be able to disrupt the upcoming election through acts of violence or sabotage. The people of Bangladesh are very aware and alert. They are eagerly waiting for the election,” he said. Talking to reporters after European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller’s meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Khosru also said election activities are now in full swing across all 300 constituencies of the country with great enthusiasm and participation. “Almost all political parties are now active on the ground, taking part in election-related activities. Campaigns and preparations are progressing smoothly in every area,” he said. EU Ambassador meets Mirza Fakhrul, discusses polls Asked for his comment on recent incidents of political unrest and violence, Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said such issues concern everyone. “Law and order is always a matter of concern. We also have our concerns.” He said they hope the government will ensure that its law enforcement agencies remain strong, vigilant, and effective in addressing any such incidents. Responding to questions about the Awami League’s alleged violent activities and lockdown programme, the BNP leader said, “The Awami League is neither in the race nor active in the country. Their leader is not even present. So, there is nothing to discuss.” He also said they believe anyone, not just the Awami League, can potentially carry out such violent acts. “It is the responsibility of the law enforcement agencies to perform their duties properly to protect the country from such activities.” Govt to be solely responsible if reforms imposed beyond consensus: Fakhrul Khosru said those who are not contesting in the election or are absent from the country, and whose activities have been suspended, may attempt violent acts, and other quarters could also be involved. “But it is the government’s responsibility to deal with them. They have intelligence agencies and law enforcement agencies, and we hope the government will be more active in handling these matters effectively. Through this, we will be able to move forward towards the election.” Speaking about BNP’s nomination list, Khosru said, “After announcing candidates for 237 seats, the list has been widely accepted. Reports from various quarters indicate that the nominations are well received.” Regarding Jamaat’s Amir’s comment that no election will be held next year without the legal recognition of the July Charter, he said, “We have already discussed and reached an agreement. The charter was signed. Beyond that, we are not aware of any remaining issues. After so many discussions and the signing of the charter, it is not clear what else could still be pending.” Read more: Tarique Rahman likely to return home by end of November: Salahuddin

The government has deployed 14 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Dhaka and adjoining districts to maintain law and order amid incidents of vehicle torching by miscreants. Shariful Islam, Public Relations Officer at the BGB headquarters, said on Wednesday morning (12th November 2025) that 12 platoons have been stationed in Dhaka, while the remaining two have been deployed in nearby districts of the capital. The paramilitary force has been positioned at key locations including Hotel Intercontinental, Dhanmondi-32, Airport, Abdullahpur, Kakrail, Shishu Academy, the High Court area, and Abrar Fahad Avenue. 3 buses set on fire in Gazipur Miscreants set fire to buses in Dhaka, Gazipur and other districts to create panic among the public, as the Awami League announced a ‘lockdown’ for November 13 ahead of the verdict dae to be set by the International Crimes Tribunal against Sheikh Hasina and others in a case involving crimes against humanity.

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

The situation in the hills of Khagrachhari has returned to normal, Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury claimed on Tuesday. He made the claim while talking to reporters after a meeting at his ministry regarding recent violence in Guimara upazila of the district. Responding to journalists’ questions, the adviser said the current situation in the hills is calm and there are no major problems. He also said certain groups attempted to disrupt Hindu devotees from celebrating Puja peacefully but their efforts failed. The ministry condemned recent attacks by miscreants in Khagrachhari that left three local people dead and several others, including members of the army and police, injured. The unrest followed the alleged gang rape of an eighth-grade girl on September 23. The victim’s father filed a case against three unidentified people with Khagrachhari Sadar police station. Khagrachhari violence: Blockade disrupts daily life for 4th day The next day, the police, with army assistance, arrested a suspect, Shoyon Sheel, who is now in custody for interrogation. Protests demanding punishment have been ongoing under the banner of ‘Jumma Chhatra Janata,’ including indefinite road blockades. On Sunday, at Ramessu Bazar in Guimara, protesters clashed with law enforcement, injuring 25 people, including army personnel, and vandalising several shops and houses. Authorities have imposed Section 144 in the area to prevent further violence, and the situation remains tense.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday acknowledged that the country’s law and order situation has seen a slight deterioration. “The situation was good but based on the incidents of the last few days I would say it has deteriorated slightly. We will try our best to restore it to the previous state,” he said. The Home Adviser came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after inaugurating a training programme for increasing capability and skills of police for performing election duties at Rajarbagh Police Lines in the capital. Union-level police camp in Munshiganj to become permanent soon: Home Affairs Adviser When asked about the recent violence in Rajbari he said they are investigating the incident. “We will be able to give details once the investigation report is available. However, we have already brought five people involved in the incident under the law. After their interrogation, we may be able to get a clearer picture,” the adviser added. Responding to a question about whether a fair investigation is possible while the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of police of the district remain in their posts, the adviser said, “Negligence will be determined through investigation. If I remove everyone beforehand, it means I’ve not given importance to the investigation. If anyone is proven guilty, action will be taken. If someone is innocent, no action will be taken against them. Without investigation, how can I say who is responsible?” Awami League will definitely try to obstruct election: Home Adviser Regarding questions about prior threats that were circulating on social media and the recent incidents in Rajbari and Hathazari, he denied failure in preventing mob violence. “We are not failing. The problem is we have become very intolerant. Those who committed these acts will be brought under the law. I urge everyone to be patient. There’s a lack of patience in everything nowadays,” he said. When asked if the situation would hinder the upcoming election, the adviser said when people will become election-oriented no one will be able to stop them.  

The Gopalganj administration has extended the ongoing curfew until further order with a three-hour pause from 11 am to 2pm, to maintain law and order in the district following Wednesday’s violent clashes that left four people dead and over 50 injured. The curfew will be in effect from 6 pm on Thursday until 11 am on Friday and then again from 2 pm onwards until further notice, according to a statement from the Home Ministry. Although the curfew will be relaxed for three hours, the administration did not specify the reason, though it is believed to be in consideration of Jumma prayers. Earlier, on Wednesday, the administration slapped the 22-hour curfew beginning at 8pm considering the deteriorating law and order situation in the district. On Wednesday, at least four people were killed and over 50 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 the district. 25 arrested over Gopalganj violence, crackdown to continue: Home Adviser Protesting the attack, leaders and activists of the NPC put blockade on highways and important roads across the country. Later, party convener Nahid Islam in a Facebook post urged the fellows to withdraw the blockade and announced a countrywide protest rally for Thursday. Meanwhile, the government has formed a three-member body to investigate the violence occurred in Gopalganj.  Govt forms probe body over Gopalganj violence On Thursday, Home Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said law enforcers have so far arrested 25 people over the violence centring an NCP rally, vowing to continue drives until all accused are held.

Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, the youth wing of the BNP, will hold demonstrations across the country, including in Dhaka, on Thursday to protest against the worsening law and order situation. The programme was announced in a press release issued on Sunday, signed by Jubo Dal Assistant Office Secretary Minhazul Islam Bhuiyan. It said the leaders and activists of the BNP’s youth wing will bring out protest processions in all districts and metropolitan cities. Jubo Dal expels 2 leaders over murder in Old Dhaka  In Dhaka, they will take out a procession from in front of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office at 2pm. It will pass through Fakirapool, Dainik Bangla intersection, the National Press Club, Matsya Bhaban, and end at Shahbagh. Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna and General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan have urged all units of the organisation across the country to make the programme a success.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to maintain order once the Election Commission (EC) announces the schedule for the upcoming national election. He made the statement while talking to reporters following a meeting of the core committee on law and order held at the ministry’s conference room of the Secretariat. The assurance comes amid growing political developments, including a meeting in London on Friday between Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, where they reportedly discussed current national issues. Home Ministry ready to tackle election-time challenges: Adviser According to information from that meeting, the next general elections may be held in the first half of February next year. When asked about preparations by law enforcers in light of the potential election timeline, Adviser Jahangir said, “The law enforcement agencies are prepared as soon as the EC announces the date of the elections.” Responding to a question about continued cross-border push-ins from India, he said discussions had been held with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka on the issue. Tarique may return anytime, no govt bar: Home Adviser Urging the media to highlight the matter, he said, “We have asked India to follow the proper procedure if the people being sent are indeed Bangladeshis. But they have not been complying.” On the recent incident in Uttara where criminals allegedly posed as members of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) to snatch money, the adviser said, “We are on the highest alert. We are doing our utmost to bring those responsible to justice.”