Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has expressed hope that the upcoming Durga Puja will be concluded peacefully and in a festive manner. He said, “Durga Puja is a religious event; it is essential to preserve its sanctity. No kind of internal division or obstacle will be allowed to stand. I request people of all faiths to cooperate in ensuring the peaceful observance of the Puja.”
He made these remarks while talking to journalists after a meeting with district administrators of the division, law enforcement agencies, and officials from various departments at the Chittagong Circuit House on Wednesday afternoon.
Regarding processions by the Chhatra League, the home adviser stated that some processions have already taken place in Dhaka. “The commissioner has informed me that efforts are underway to bring these within the ambit of the law. However, those who are arrested get bail. We want it so that bail is not granted easily. Processions will increase around the election time, but these small processions will not take on a large scale.”
He said that in the February election, the Army, Navy, Air Force, BGB, Coast Guard, and Ansar – all forces – will be deployed. The current deployment of 30,000 army personnel deployed will be increased to one lakh during the election. “Elections do not depend solely on law enforcement agencies; the people are the real strength. When the people become election-focused, no one can stop it.”
Speaking further about election preparations, he said that training for law enforcement agencies has begun and their numbers have been increased. “If there is consensus among political parties, it will be positive. At the same time, the rules and regulations of the Election Commission and the role of the media are extremely important.”
Addressing the media, he said, “If the truth is reported, the opportunity for spreading rumors will decrease. In the past, false information from neighbouring countries used to spread, but due to your efforts, it has been brought under control. This time too, please ensure true information reaches the people.”
Regarding the recovery of arms, he mentioned that while there are challenges in the hilly areas, operations continue. “Although recovery operations are difficult due to Chattogram’s geographical conditions, they will continue until the election.”
On the issues of the Myanmar border and the drug situation, he said, “Currently, there are no Myanmar military personnel in the border area; the entire region is under the control of the Arakan Army. They are dependent on drugs, resulting in a large quantity of narcotics entering. However, in exchange, rice, vegetables, and medicines are going from Bangladesh. We are looking into the matter to ensure that no more goods go out and no drugs can enter.”
On the Rohingya issue, he said, “Bangladesh is not facing any threat. Our goal is to send them back to their own country quickly. The sooner they return, the sooner the problem will be resolved.”
