Home Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has urged members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) to carry out their duties with neutrality, professionalism and integrity to ensure a free, fair and credible national election scheduled for 12 February.
Speaking on Tuesday as the chief guest at a Coast Guard medal distribution ceremony held at the BCG Headquarters in Agargaon, Mr Chowdhury emphasised that law enforcement agencies must remain completely impartial during the forthcoming parliamentary election and referendum.
“Perform your duties with absolute neutrality and professionalism during the national election,” he said, stressing that public confidence in the electoral process depends heavily on the conduct of security forces.
During the ceremony, medals were awarded to 40 Coast Guard officers and sailors in recognition of their service and dedication.
The Home Adviser said that 3,585 Coast Guard personnel have been deployed as part of nearly 900,000 law enforcement members nationwide to assist the Election Commission in maintaining security and order throughout the electoral period.
He noted that 100 Coast Guard platoons have already been deployed across districts in the Barisal, Chattogram and Khulna divisions, where they are tasked with ensuring law and order, securing polling-related activities and supporting election operations in coastal and riverine areas.
Home Adviser issued a strong warning against any form of political bias, stating that Coast Guard members must not be influenced by individuals, political parties or vested interests.
“You are servants of the state. Any involvement in political activities or biased conduct will not be tolerated,” he said, adding that strict legal and departmental action would be taken against those found violating neutrality or ethical standards.
Describing corruption as a major threat to national stability, the Home Adviser said it undermines state institutions and erodes public trust. He reminded personnel that the Coast Guard is funded by taxpayers and has a moral and constitutional responsibility to safeguard public safety and national interests.
Home Adviser praised the Coast Guard’s role in protecting the country’s coastal and riverine zones, combating smuggling and human trafficking, conducting rescue operations and supporting disaster response efforts. He said the force’s professionalism has drawn international attention, with countries such as the United States and Australia expressing interest in enhanced cooperation.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to modernising the force, he highlighted ongoing initiatives to acquire bulletproof high-speed vessels, surveillance drones and ground control stations. He also noted that 12 surveillance drones donated by the Australian Border Force are already operational, significantly strengthening maritime security capabilities.
The Home Adviser expressed confidence that the Bangladesh Coast Guard’s integrity, efficiency and professionalism would play a decisive role in ensuring a peaceful, transparent and credible election.
Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Nasimul Ghani and Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Hoque, among other senior officials, were present at the ceremony.
