Arms smuggling to be prevented beyond election period: Home Adviser

Home and Agriculture Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said that measures are being taken to stop the inflow of illegal weapons not only during the election period but at all times.

He said, “Today too, arms have been recovered. This is an ongoing process, and weapons are being seized every day… Ahead of the election, we expect to recover almost all illegal arms. Measures will be taken to ensure that weapons do not enter the country—not just during elections, but at any time.”

The Adviser spoke to reporters on Saturday (August 23) after inspecting the BADC Seed Building near Gabtoli Bus Terminal in Dhaka.

On preparations for the upcoming polls, Chowdhury said the caretaker administration is moving forward in line with requirements.

“We are preparing exactly as needed. God willing, there will be no difficulty in holding the election in February. We will be fully ready on the date set by the Chief Adviser,” he added.

Asked about propaganda on social media platforms such as Facebook, he said: “The country is now free. In the past, many things could not be published, but now everyone can express themselves. Ultimately, the people will decide. Once the people and political parties move towards elections, no propaganda will stand in the way.”

On border security, the adviser said that the country’s frontiers are fully protected. “Our borders are completely safe and secure. The people living along the border are also highly vigilant. There is no cause for concern regarding the border,” he said.