Home Adviser hails police for neutral role in 12 Feb election

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday hailed the recently concluded 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum as a milestone in Bangladesh’s electoral history, highlighting the “neutral, responsible and exemplary” role of law enforcement agencies.

“The 12 February election and the referendum will be remembered as a role model both domestically and internationally,” the Home Adviser said while speaking as the chief guest at a farewell reception held at the Hall of Integrity at Bangladesh Police Headquarters.

He lauded the coordinated efforts of the Army, Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Ansar, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Coast Guard in ensuring a peaceful and credible voting process. Expressing gratitude to members of these agencies, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said their professionalism contributed significantly to the integrity of the election.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam delivered the welcome address at the ceremony, while Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali and RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman were among the dignitaries present.

Additional IGP (Administration) Awlad Hossain offered the vote of thanks.

Reflecting on the challenges faced after 5 August 2024, the Home Adviser noted that the police had regained a “fairly respectable position” through collective efforts during the election.

He encouraged members of the force to continue strengthening public trust and safeguarding institutional integrity.

Addressing concerns about recruitment, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury emphasised that no corruption had occurred in appointments made under the interim government.

“These appointments were conducted with the highest level of transparency, which is rare in Bangladesh’s history. I can personally affirm that my office did not lobby for any positions,” he said.

Earlier, the Home Adviser attended farewell reception organised by the Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Immigration and Passport Department and BGB.

He also joined similar events hosted by the Department of Narcotics Control and Bangladesh Ansar and VDP, recognising the contributions of personnel across all branches of national security.