Dhaka: Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that law enforcement agencies will have the authority to enter any location, including polling stations, during the upcoming national election to prevent sabotage and maintain law and order.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the announcement was made during a briefing following the 19th meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Law and Order at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Bangladesh Secretariat. Jahangir emphasized that all law enforcement and intelligence agencies have been instructed to be more active and coordinated at the field level throughout the election period.
The meeting directed authorities to implement necessary measures to maintain order during political programs and election campaigns, urging political parties and the public to adhere to the election code of conduct. Jahangir warned that law enforcement would take immediate action if roads are blocked or public inconvenience is caused, stating that no concessions would be made in such cases.
He also mentioned that intelligence surveillance has been strengthened nationwide and coordination among agencies enhanced to control the overall situation. He informed that the final charge sheet in the murder case of Sharif Osman bin Hadi will be submitted on January 7.
The adviser urged political parties to be vigilant against saboteurs or fascist elements who might exploit political rivalries. Speaking on Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2, launched on December 13, 2025, Jahangir reported that 14,569 individuals were arrested up to January 4, 2026, with significant recoveries of firearms, ammunition, and explosives.
Overall, 33,804 people have been arrested on various charges during this period. Jahangir noted that the number of check posts and patrols has been increased to prevent the movement of terrorists and criminals and recover illegal weapons.
The meeting also discussed various issues including driver caution in fog, preventing social media rumors, maintaining communal harmony, securing the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, curbing smuggling and drug trafficking, and ensuring peace in hilly regions. Senior officials including the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Ghani and Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam were present at the briefing.