Rangpur: Adviser to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Agriculture Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd.) has directed all concerned to sternly suppress any attempt to disrupt public security in the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) elections. ‘There will be no compromise on the issue of law and order in the JS elections. The highest professionalism of the law enforcers and officials must be displayed to ensure the safety of the citizens before, on and after the elections,’ he said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury emphasized these points while addressing the ‘Law and order meeting for smooth conduct of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad Election and Referendum, 2026’ held at the conference room of the Divisional Commissioner’s Office in the city as the chief guest on Sunday afternoon. Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Gani presided over the meeting, with speeches delivered by Director General of RAB (SIF) AKM Shahidur Rahman, Additional IGP of Bangladesh Police Khandaker Rafiqul Islam, and Additional Director General of BGB Brigadier General Md Sohrab Hossain Bhuiyan.
Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam delivered the welcome speech at the views-exchange meeting. Attendees included Rangpur Range DIG Aminul Islam and Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Majid Ali BPM, with participation from various officials across the region.
Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stressed the importance of honesty, efficiency, and professionalism among election officials and law enforcement agencies to ensure a peaceful election. He warned that any irregularities at polling stations, such as ballot box snatching, would not be tolerated, and those responsible, including returning officers, would face consequences. The Home Ministry circular allows law enforcement agencies to enter polling stations if necessary.
To ensure a fair electoral environment, intensive patrolling is mandated four days before the election, especially in char and remote areas. The Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs highlighted the use of technology such as the ‘Election Security App,’ body cameras, CCTV, and drones, along with the deployment of about 10 lakh law enforcement officers.
Presiding Officers are assured of strong security, with at least five to six armed law enforcement officers, including an armed Ansar, on duty at each center. A striking force and patrol team will also be present. The Senior Secretary expressed confidence that the joint efforts would result in the best election in Bangladesh’s history.
The meeting included participation from eight Deputy Commissioners, eight Superintendents of Police, Upazila Nirbahi Officers, Regional, District, Upazila Election Officers, and representatives from the Armed Forces Division, BGB, and Ansar-VDP.
After the meeting, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury assured local journalists that the 13th JS elections would be credible and conducted peacefully, with no fear of vote rigging. Immediate action will be taken against any rigging to ensure a free, fair, and festive election atmosphere. He affirmed that necessary preparations have been made to uphold the current law and order situation for a fair election.