Home adviser vows firm law and order ahead of national elections

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday reaffirmed the interim government's firm commitment to ensuring peace, public order, and a secure environment ahead of the upcoming 13th national elections.

"We are firmly committed to maintaining peace and public order. The highest priority has been given to keeping the law and order situation stable and undisrupted, particularly in view of the forthcoming elections," he said.

He made the remarks at a press briefing following the 19th meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Law and Order at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Secretariat.

He said all law enforcement agencies have been instructed to operate with heightened vigilance and close coordination at the field level throughout the election period.

"Strict measures will be enforced during political programmes and election campaigns, and any attempt to sabotage the polls will be dealt with firmly," he said.

The home adviser reiterated that the elections will be held on time, warning that there will be no leniency for activities that disrupt the electoral process.

So, the law enforcement agencies will be empowered to enter any place, including polling centres, at any time to prevent disorder or election-related violence, he said.

He urged political parties to remain alert so that saboteurs or "fascist agents" disguised as collaborators cannot infiltrate their ranks or exploit mutual accusations.

Jahangir also called on citizens to cooperate and strictly follow the election code of conduct.

Jahangir said the nationwide intelligence surveillance has been strengthened with enhanced coordination and data sharing among all forces.

Training of election-related personnel is ongoing at all levels to ensure effective field operations," he said

The meeting reviewed overall law and order, election security preparations, progress in major criminal cases, Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2, recovery of illegal arms, anti-drug operations, and the situation in border areas and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The home adviser has warned that road blockades causing public suffering will face immediate action, with no concessions.

Regarding the murder of July uprising frontline fighter Sharif Osman bin Hadi, he said the charge sheet will be submitted on 7 January 2026.

"So far, 11 people have been arrested, and the case will be transferred to a speedy trial tribunal to ensure justice within the tenure of the interim government," he said.

Under Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2, launched on 13 December 2025, he said that a total of 14,569 people have been arrested as of 4 January 2026.

Overall arrests stand at 33,804, including 19,235 in cases and warrants. Authorities have recovered firearms, ammunition, grenades, explosives, and bomb-making materials during the operation.

In the nationwide anti-drug drive, the Department of Narcotics Control filed 658 cases and conducted 1,613 mobile courts in December 2025, arresting 2,375 people and seizing large quantities of narcotics, cash, and vehicles.

The home adviser also reiterated the government's zero-tolerance policy toward communal disharmony, stressing the prevention of rumors, social media propaganda, and provocative statements.

In view of the ongoing cold wave and dense fog, he urged drivers to exercise caution to prevent road accidents.