Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has expressed hope that the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be held in the first half of February.
He shared this expectation on Tuesday (18 November) when Germany’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Rüdiger Lotz, met him at his office in the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Secretariat.
During the meeting, they discussed public reactions following the verdict against Sheikh Hasina, the announcement of the national election date and related preparations, prisoner extradition, cybercrime, the overall law-and-order situation, and other issues of mutual interest between the two countries.
Welcoming the German ambassador, the adviser said Germany and Bangladesh are trusted friends, and expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties in the near future.
When the ambassador inquired about the election date, timing, and preparations, the adviser said, “We hope the election will be held on time. However, setting the specific date and schedule is the responsibility of the Election Commission.”
He added, “Whatever date the Election Commission sets for the national election, our law-enforcement agencies are fully prepared.”
When asked about the situation after the verdict against Sheikh Hasina, the adviser said the law-and-order situation remains normal. “Except for a few minor isolated incidents, the situation is calm. Anyone attempting to disrupt law and order will be dealt with firmly.”
Regarding crime levels, the adviser said crime is not increasing and remains under control. “People can now express their opinions freely—something they could not do during the last 15 years under the fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina.”
Additional Secretary (Political) of the Ministry of Home Affairs Khandaker Md. Mahabubur Rahman, and Anja Kersten, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy, were also present at the meeting.