Govt to take action if anyone tries to disrupt internet services during elections: Home adviser

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said steps would be taken as per the law if anyone tries to disrupt internet services during the election period.

“If anyone is found trying to disrupt the internet services during the election period, they will face legal consequences,” Jahangir said while responding to questions from journalists following a meeting with administrative and law enforcement officers from various levels of Chattogram Division at the city's World Trade Center on Sunday afternoon.

He said that army, navy, and air force will be deployed during the elections, taking into account the diverse geographical features of Chattogram, including hills, plains, and coastal areas.

“Internet will remain open. Your mouth is completely open. You are here to reveal the truth. If you cannot reveal the truth, the people will not get the right information. So, we want journalists to work independently and tell the truth,” he added.

“Such opportunities did not exist before. During that time, the media and social media either became their mouth piece or under their control,” he added.

When asked about the election preparations, the home adviser expressed satisfaction with the administration and law enforcement agencies' readiness.

“Their preparations are quite good. If the work progresses according to this preparation, the elections will be fair and festive,” he added.

The adviser stated that law enforcement agencies, including the army, have made preparations in Chattogram to ensure the smooth holding of the elections.

He expressed satisfaction with the preparations and stated that if they proceed as per their planned, the elections will be fair, festive, and impartial.

Divisional Commissioner Md Ziauddin, Deputy Commissioner Zahidul Islam Miah, DIG of Chattogram Range Md Ahsan Habib Palash, and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.