The law and order situation has remained one of the most debated issues during the interim government’s nearly one-and-a-half-year tenure. With national elections approaching and concerns over public security mounting, clear signals have emerged of an imminent reshuffle in the advisory council.
According to reliable senior government sources, the post of Home Affairs Adviser is set to see a change. Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury is likely to be relieved of the home portfolio, with current Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman poised to take over the crucial responsibility. Chowdhury, however, is expected to continue in his role as Adviser to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Sources indicated that a formal announcement regarding these changes could come as early as Tuesday. Alongside the reshuffle at the political level, significant changes are also being prepared within the upper ranks of the police, aimed at strengthening law enforcement ahead of the elections.
The proposed change in the Home Ministry is being linked to growing criticism over the handling of the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha and a July fighters’ group member. The failure to arrest the key suspects in the case has triggered demands from various quarters for greater accountability within the ministry.
In addition, discussions are underway at the highest levels of government regarding the possible removal of Khoda Bakhsh Chowdhury from his position as Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser.
The interim government assumed office on August 8, three days after the student-led mass uprising on August 5 last year. Brig Gen (Retd) Sakhawat Hossain was the first Home Affairs Adviser but stepped down following controversy over his remarks. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury subsequently took charge. Political observers now believe that the proposed reshuffle reflects the government’s effort to recalibrate its approach to internal security at a critical juncture.