Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Home Affairs Adviser, has stated that 100,000 soldiers will be deployed across the country to maintain law and order during the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections. In addition to the army, the navy, air force, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard, and Ansar forces will also be deployed. Currently, around 30,000 troops are on duty, which will be increased to 100,000 during the elections.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday after a meeting at the Chittagong Circuit House with district commissioners, law enforcement officials, and other departmental officers of Chittagong division, he said, “Elections do not depend solely on law enforcement; the real strength lies with the people. If political parties reach consensus, it will have a positive impact. The Election Commission and media also play crucial roles.”
He added that operations to recover illegal weapons are ongoing and will be intensified before the elections. Conducting operations in Chittagong’s hilly areas is challenging, but law enforcement agencies are taking maximum measures.
Regarding the banned organization Chhatra League’s sudden rallies, he said such activities are being addressed under the law and arrests are taking place. He noted that various political parties’ activities may increase before the elections.
On the Rohingya issue, he stated that Bangladesh faces no threat, and the faster the Rohingyas are repatriated to their country, the sooner the issue will be resolved.
Concerning the situation in Myanmar, he mentioned that although the Arakan Army controls parts of the border area, Bangladesh’s forces are keeping the situation under control. Measures have also been increased to prevent drug trafficking.
He expressed hope that the upcoming Durga Puja will be celebrated peacefully and festively and urged people of all religions to cooperate to maintain the sanctity of the festival.