Home Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has instructed law enforcement agencies to take firm and uncompromising action against any activities that could disrupt or influence the upcoming national parliamentary election and referendum.
The directive was issued on Monday while he was addressing a law and order coordination meeting at the Barishal District Shilpakala Academy auditorium.
The meeting was organised by the Barishal divisional administration in preparation for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum.
Presided over by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Gani, the meeting was attended by Inspector General of Police Baharul, Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Haq, Ansar and VDP Director General Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, Border Guard Bangladesh Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, and senior officials of the civil and security administrations.
Addressing the gathering, the home adviser directed authorities to swiftly arrest criminals and militants and to conduct intensive patrols for four days prior to polling to ensure a free and neutral electoral environment.
He stressed the need for coordinated operations in char areas and remote regions and called for special drives against terrorists, extortionists, drug traffickers and other offenders.
He said public expectations regarding the election are high and that the responsibility of meeting those expectations lies largely with officials assigned to election duties.
Expressing optimism, he said the upcoming election would set a benchmark praised both at home and abroad, urging officials to remain vigilant so that no lapse damages public confidence or the country’s image.
“There will be no compromise on law and order,” home adviser said, emphasising the need to ensure public safety before, during and after polling. He added that the security situation must allow voters to cast their ballots peacefully in a festive atmosphere.
The adviser also highlighted the importance of effective coordination among election officials, intelligence agencies, police, armed forces, RAB, BGB, Ansar-VDP, Coast Guard, judicial and mobile courts, and the civil administration.
He instructed district administrations to convene regular law and order core committee meetings and warned that any gaps or negligence in coordination would not be tolerated.
In his remarks, Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani urged election officials and law enforcement personnel to maintain integrity and professionalism and to work collectively to ensure a free, fair, neutral and festive election.
Senior officials from across Barishal division, including deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, upazila nirbahi officers, election officers and officers-in-charge of police stations, as well as representatives of the armed forces and Barishal Metropolitan Police, attended the meeting.
Later, responding to questions from journalists, the home adviser said additional security forces are being deployed at high-risk polling centres.
These centres will be equipped with body-worn cameras and CCTV systems, while drones and dog squads will also be used.
He added that the ‘Election Security App-2026’, developed by the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre, will be in operation to monitor and prevent any untoward incidents.
