Navy and Air Force to be Deployed in National Election: Home Affairs Adviser

Sylhet, September 1, 2025: The Home Affairs and Agriculture Adviser, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, announced that the Navy and Air Force will be deployed alongside other law enforcement agencies for the upcoming national parliamentary election. He made this statement while addressing the media after a coordination meeting at the Sylhet District Administrator’s conference room on Monday afternoon.

The meeting was attended by officials from the Police, RAB, BGB, Ansar, Prison Directorate, Fire Service, Immigration and Passports Directorate, and the Department of Narcotics Control, along with representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture. Responding to journalists’ questions, the adviser elaborated on the security arrangements for the election. Adviser Chowdhury stated, “In elections, Ansar plays the most significant role. Each polling station typically has 10 Ansar members, but this time, there will be 12. One Ansar member will be assigned specifically for the presiding officer’s security. Additionally, two or three police personnel will be stationed at each center. Mobile teams from the Army, along with BGB, RAB, and APBN, will also be present. This time, not only the Army but also the Navy and Air Force will be utilized.” Addressing a report by *Prothom Alo* claiming that 81 police personnel have been absent from duty since the student-people’s uprising on August 5 last year, the adviser said, “Legal action is being taken against those who are absent. We are recruiting new police personnel. Around 4,000 have already joined after training, and another batch is currently undergoing training. A new batch will soon start training as well. Additionally, training arrangements have been made for other forces before the election, with an inauguration scheduled for September 7 at the Rajarbag Convention Center.” Commenting on the attack on Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Nurul Haque, the adviser remarked, “The attack on Nurul Haque is unfortunate. He is a national-level leader, and this incident is deeply regrettable. I pray to Allah for his speedy recovery.” Regarding unrest in several universities across Bangladesh, Adviser Chowdhury said, “Not every situation requires law enforcement intervention. University teachers are highly capable, and students generally respect their guidance. Minor issues can be resolved through discussions between teachers and students. Just as families resolve small disputes through dialogue, I believe teachers and students can address these issues similarly.” On the issue of arms recovery in Sylhet’s border areas and the loss of law enforcement weapons, the adviser noted, “There is no arms smuggling in the border areas anymore; the weapons have been recovered. We acted proactively to prevent any issues.” He urged the public to inform law enforcement about any arms-related information, adding that informants would be rewarded. Regarding clashes at Chittagong University, he stated, “Whether any external forces instigated the incident will be clear after an investigation. We all need to exercise patience. Our tolerance levels have decreased, but with patience, many problems can be resolved.” In response to questions about a recent Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) report on the looting of white stone, Adviser Chowdhury said, “The investigation is under the Ministry of Mineral Resources. Once their report is submitted, we will know more. Those found guilty of white stone looting will be brought to justice.”