Home Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said he sees no major challenges to holding the country’s 13th national election, describing the current election environment as significantly better than during previous polls.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Mr Chowdhury said the upcoming general election is expected to be conducted in a peaceful, fair and festive atmosphere, adding that the overall situation is more favourable than in past national elections.
“Holding the next general election will no longer be challenging. The election will be held in a fair, peaceful and celebratory manner. Compared with earlier elections, the atmosphere this time is much better,” he said.
The Home Adviser made the remarks while responding to questions after attending a Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) medal distribution ceremony at the force’s headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka.
Mr Chowdhury urged all stakeholders, including the public, to remain patient and vigilant to help ensure a peaceful election. He said law enforcement agencies have already been deployed across the country as part of broader security arrangements.
Calling for cooperation from all quarters, he particularly appealed to the media to work with the authorities to facilitate a smooth and orderly electoral process.
Responding to questions on the recovery of illegal firearms, the Home Adviser said security agencies are conducting such operations on a regular basis. He added that firearms used in the killings of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi and Mosaddek had already been recovered.
Commenting on the overall law and order situation in the Sundarbans, Mr Chowdhury said the region remains stable and secure, noting a steady increase in tourist visits to the world’s largest mangrove forest.
Earlier, while addressing the medal distribution ceremony, the Home Adviser reiterated the importance of neutrality and professionalism among security personnel ahead of the election scheduled for 12 February.
He instructed members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard to perform their duties with complete impartiality, integrity and professionalism to ensure a free, fair, peaceful and credible election and referendum.
Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Nasimul Ghani and Bangladesh Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Hoque, along with other senior officials, were present at the ceremony.
