Law and order deteriorating slightly, efforts underway to restore normalcy: Home adviser

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said the country's law and order situation has seen a slight deterioration.

"The situation was good, but based on the incidents of the last few days I would say it has deteriorated slightly. We will try our best to restore it to the previous state," he told reporters after inaugurating a training programme at Rajarbagh Police Lines in Dhaka aimed at enhancing the capability and skills of police officers for election duties.

When asked about the recent violence in Rajbari, the adviser said the matter was under investigation. "We will be able to give details once the investigation report is available. However, we have already brought five people involved in the incident under the law. After their interrogation, we may be able to get a clearer picture," he added.

Responding to a question on whether a fair investigation was possible while the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police of the district remained in their posts, he said: "Negligence will be determined through investigation. If I remove everyone beforehand, it means I have not given importance to the investigation.

"If anyone is proven guilty, action will be taken. If someone is innocent, no action will be taken against them. Without investigation, how can I say who is responsible?"

On questions regarding prior threats circulated on social media and the recent incidents in Rajbari and Hathazari, the adviser rejected claims of failure in preventing mob violence.

"We are not failing. The problem is we have become very intolerant. Those who committed these acts will be brought under the law. I urge everyone to be patient. There is a lack of patience in everything nowadays," he said.

Asked if the current situation could hinder the upcoming election, the adviser said, "When people become election-oriented, no one will be able to stop them."