Election preparations ‘very strong’: Home adviser

Bangla Press Desk:  Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said that preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Election are progressing “very well,” with all necessary measures underway to ensure a festive, fair, and widely acceptable voting environment.

He made the remarks on Monday while speaking to reporters at the Secretariat after a meeting of the Law and Order Advisory Committee.Jahangir said that training for all security forces is expected to be completed by mid-January.

He said comprehensive arrangements are being put in place to maintain law and order during the polls.

“Law enforcement officers will be equipped with body-worn cameras during the voting process,” he said, adding that uninterrupted electricity supply at every polling centre will be ensured.

Commenting on pre-election security concerns, the adviser cautioned that crime will not disappear overnight.

“Killings and criminal activities will not completely stop before the election. I don’t have a magic wand — it’s not like turning off a switch and everything ends,” he said.

Addressing political issues involving the Jatiya Party, the adviser said all political parties are currently active on the ground.

“Some do not want to come out; they prefer to do politics from indoors. They have some issues with their party offices,” he remarked.

Jahangir also said strict instructions have been issued to identify and apprehend those responsible for the recent murder of a freedom fighter and his wife in Rangpur.

BP/SP