Dhaka: Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that the government is undertaking comprehensive preparations to ensure the upcoming general election is conducted in a fair, peaceful, and festive manner. He emphasized the importance of cooperation from all stakeholders to achieve a smooth electoral process.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Jahangir made these remarks during a visit to a polling center at Teghoria High School in the Dhaka-3 constituency. He noted that while the tentative date for the elections has been announced, the Election Commission will finalize the specific date. Jahangir stressed that the groundwork at the field level has commenced to facilitate a fair election.
The Home Adviser highlighted the essential role of various stakeholders, including aspirant candidates, the public, the election commission, and the administration, in supporting law enforcement agencies. He asserted that cooperation is vital to maintaining a peaceful and fair election environment.
In response to queries about the law and order situation, Jahangir mentioned improvements since last July when police officers left their stations and Ansar lodged protests. He expressed confidence in achieving the desired law and order before the election, ensuring no hurdles in conducting the election peacefully.
Jahangir revealed plans to deploy an ample number of law enforcers, including 80,000 military troops, during the election. Additionally, body-worn cameras will be used at polling centers nationwide to ensure transparent monitoring of the election process. Currently, Bangladesh Police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) possess 10,000 body-worn cameras, with plans to acquire 40,000 more before the election.
Regarding the recovery of illegal firearms, Jahangir stated that a nationwide operation is in progress, and rewards will be offered for information leading to the recovery of such weapons. During his visit, he also inspected Dhaka Central Jail, RAB-10 Headquarters, and Keraniganj Model Police Station to assess the overall conditions, including those of the prisoners.