Staff Reporter :
Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has affirmed that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to maintain security during the forthcoming national elections, whenever the government decides to hold them.
Speaking on Sunday during a visit to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-1) headquarters in Uttara, Dhaka, he emphasised that security forces mobilise promptly in anticipation of any election.
On the issue of Bangladeshi nationals currently residing in India, the adviser urged them to return through lawful and organised channels, describing it as “inhumane” to leave people stranded in forests or by lakes.
He also assured that Indian nationals living illegally in Bangladesh will be repatriated to India through proper legal procedures.
Responding to concerns about police activity, Lt Gen Chowdhury rejected the notion that being ‘active’ means resorting to excessive force. “If you think police should beat people routinely – as was seen over the past 15 years – that is not the kind of policing we want,” he stated. “We seek a human-centred, citizen-friendly police force.”
He added that officers are now more proactive than before, but with a commitment to treating the public with respect.
Addressing recent reports of crimes committed by individuals impersonating Rapid Action Battalion personnel, the adviser expressed serious concern. “We are working diligently to bring those responsible to justice as swiftly as possible. Even if someone is wearing a RAB uniform, they will not be above the law,” he declared.
