Army to be deployed with magistracy powers during national polls, home affairs advisor indicates
“If any member of the police shows negligence, they will be brought under the law and punished immediately,” he says.
The army will be deployed with magistracy powers during the upcoming national parliamentary elections, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has indicated.
He also warned that any police personnel found negligent in carrying out their duties during the election will face immediate disciplinary action.
The advisor made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order at the Ministry of Home Affairs today (4 November).
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In response to a question about the army's deployment during the polls, the adviser said, "Why would it [the army deployment] stop during the election? Are we stopping it? Ask me again when the election comes."
Following BNP's announcement of its candidate list for the upcoming national polls, the officer-in-charge of Uttara East Police Station reportedly posted "Alhamdulillah, Natore-1" on Facebook. When asked, with reference to the post, what action would be taken if police favour any particular candidate during the election, the advisor said, "If there is any kind of negligence, the police personnel will be immediately brought to book."
He hoped that the upcoming national election would be held in a free, fair, and festive environment.
Regarding the recent theft of seven sophisticated firearms following a fire at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, he said, "A committee has been formed after the fire. Whether the weapons were actually stolen will be known after investigation. If they were stolen, those responsible will be held accountable. It has not yet been established exactly how many weapons have been stolen."
Asked whether a case had been lodged over the airport cargo village fire, he replied, "A general diary (GD) is filed after every such incident."
The adviser noted that provocative statements are being spread on social media, many of which are untrue. "I would request journalists to counter such provocative claims with factual reporting. If there is any doubt, you may contact the relevant agencies," he advised.
He added that many of these provocative statements originate from outside the country, while some locals are also doing the same. "Police are taking action against them," he said.
During the briefing, the advisor informed that 11 firearms had been recovered and one person arrested during an operation in Raozan. "Raozan and Fatikchhari are somewhat difficult areas - they were so before and still are. Criminals often flee into the hills after committing crimes there," he said.
On the proposed Police Commission, he said, "The issue was not discussed in the meeting, but Insha'Allah, the commission will be formed."
He shared the e-gates at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport have been opened, adding that minor technical issues are being addressed.
Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Ghani, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam, and chiefs of various forces were present at the meeting.
