Dhaka: Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday instructed members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard to maintain strict political neutrality and professionalism during election duties, warning of severe consequences for any form of bias. Speaking at a medal distribution ceremony at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Jahangir Alam said the force must play its role with honesty and integrity to ensure that the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum, scheduled for 12 February 2026, are conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Jahangir Alam emphasized that there was ‘no scope whatsoever’ for Coast Guard personnel to engage with any political party, individual, or agenda during the election period. As state employees, the adviser added, their primary responsibility was to uphold the law, ensure public security, and serve the public interest.
The Home Adviser warned that any member found supporting a candidate or implementing a party agenda would face strict departmental and legal action, with no leniency. Even minor displays of bias would not be tolerated. The credibility of the election, he stated, would largely depend on the honesty, efficiency, and professionalism of those deployed on duty. He also cautioned against unethical conduct, negligence, or yielding to temptation, saying such actions would invite severe punishment.
Describing corruption as the ‘greatest enemy of the state’, he noted it weakened institutions from within and eroded public trust. Pursuing personal gain or political benefit, he added, was not only illegal but also damaging to the foundations of the state. Jahangir Alam reminded personnel that the Bangladesh Coast Guard is funded by taxpayers and exists solely to ensure national security and public welfare.
On election security arrangements, he mentioned that around 3,585 Coast Guard members had been deployed alongside nearly 900,000 personnel from law enforcement agencies. He noted that some 100 Coast Guard platoons were operating across districts in the Barishal, Chattogram, and Khulna divisions.
Jahangir Alam also highlighted the government’s commitment to modernizing the Coast Guard. He stated that procurement was underway for bulletproof high-speed boats and surveillance drones equipped with ground control stations. Twelve surveillance drones donated by the Australian Border Force had already been inducted.
Further development plans include the construction of a multi-role response vessel and two offshore patrol vessels with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Future initiatives would also involve the induction of helicopters, rescue drones, and a coastal surveillance system.
The Home Adviser congratulated the medal recipients and expressed hope that Coast Guard personnel, guided by patriotism, would continue to serve the country with honesty and dedication to help build a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Bangladesh.