[🇧🇩] The Home Adviser and the Law and Order Situation in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Dhaka’s law and order situation demands better interventions

Effective measures needed to curb crime in the capital city

www.thedailystar.net

Dhaka’s law and order situation demands better interventions
Effective measures needed to curb crime in the capital city

VISUAL: STAR

We are concerned by the recent spate of crime in Dhaka that put its law and order situation once again under the spotlight. Since the political changeover in August last year, public security in the city has been an area of concern with a persistent rise in various criminal activities. Although the authorities have taken a number of measures to address the situation, things have proven difficult to manage. The spike in criminal incidents—with CCTV footage of several going viral on social media—is understandably fuelling fear among the general public. The government, therefore, must increase its efforts to comprehensively address these security concerns.

According to data from the Police Headquarters, Dhaka witnessed a noticeable rise in violent crimes in the first four months of this year, with robbery cases almost doubling and dacoity and murder cases nearly tripling compared to the same period last year. Over time, the criminals appear to be growing more audacious, often attacking people in broad daylight. On Tuesday morning, muggers attacked a currency trader, shot him, and robbed him of currencies worth Tk 22 lakh in the city's Mirpur area. On Sunday night, a BNP leader was shot dead by two assailants. Some perpetrators have even been seen carrying machetes, using them to intimidate or attack their victims.

What does it say about our law enforcement if gun-toting, machete-wielding criminals can roam freely in public? In some cases, police appeared reluctant to take action. For instance, a victim of mugging in Nikunja, who was attacked with machetes, reported the incident to Pallabi Police Station but no action was taken until a video of the incident went viral. Speaking to The Daily Star, he said the incident had shattered his sense of security, and—one may easily assume—that of many others.

This situation has persisted more or less since August. While the interim government has taken some initiatives, including deploying army troops with magistracy powers to assist in maintaining law and order, these efforts have often proven insufficient. Unfortunately, the police have yet to fully regain their footing, and criminals continue to take advantage of the vacuum. This is unacceptable. Law enforcement agencies must reassert control over the city's law and order using whatever means necessary. It is unacceptable for people to continue living in fear for their safety.​

 

[Saif]

Home Adviser for maintaining discipline to keep law and order, traffic jam under control

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Thursday said that if everyone maintains discipline and works with patience the law and order and traffic congestion would remain under control.

en.prothomalo.com

Home Adviser for maintaining discipline to keep law and order, traffic jam under control

BSS Dhaka
Published: 05 Jun 2025, 19: 48

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury speaks to the reporters in Gabtoli, Dhaka on 5 June 2025. BSS

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Thursday said that if everyone maintains discipline and works with patience the law and order and traffic congestion would remain under control.

“If we all cooperate to concerned authorities, the law and order would be improved and the traffic congestion must remain under control,” he said while speaking to the reporters after visiting the Gabtoli cattle market.

“I would like to request everyone to follow the rules in all areas while driving cars, bringing and taking trucks carrying sacrificial animals . . . encourage others to follow the rules too. If discipline is maintained on the roads, the law and order situation will remain under control," he said.

"This year, the prices of sacrificial animals are relatively reasonable. I feel the prices are slightly lower compared to the last year. We have an adequate supply of cattle, so buyers should not face any problem," the adviser said.

In response to a question about sellers charging extra money for space in the cattle market, Adviser Jahangir said, "No one is allowed to charge separately for space. We have made this clear in our meetings as well."

He also said there are sufficient sacrificial animals in the market. There is no shortage of cows, he added.

The advisor earlier visited Mirpur and Kafrul police stations in the capital and the Public Order Management (POM) located in Mirpur area.​

 

[Saif]

People-friendly policing key to restoring public trust: Home Adviser

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday said the negative image of the police could be erased if they become more people-friendly personnel. He made the remarks while exchanging views with officials of the Tangail district administration and heads of various departments at

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

People-friendly policing key to restoring public trust: Home Adviser

Published :
Jun 23, 2025 19:35
Updated :
Jun 23, 2025 19:35

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday said the negative image of the police could be erased if they become more people-friendly personnel.

He made the remarks while exchanging views with officials of the Tangail district administration and heads of various departments at a meeting held in the Deputy Commissioner's conference room in the afternoon, UNB reports.

About Sunday night’s mob attack, the adviser said, “Those responsible for creating such a situation centring former CEC KM Nurul Huda will be brought to justice. If any member of the police is found to be involved, action will be taken against them as well.”

He also said instructions have already been given to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and legal action will be taken against those involved.

“Since August 5, actions have been taken to make the police more people-friendly. The police no longer behave the way they used to. If the public is happy with the police, I am also happy. I am making every effort to ensure the people are satisfied,” the adviser said.

Jahangir also mentioned that though the next national election is still some time away, police preparations are underway. “The overall law and order situation in the country is much better than before.”

Dhaka Range DIG Rezaul Karim Mallick Reza, Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque and Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman were, among others, present at the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

DMP arrests 3 for leading anti-government protests in Dhaka

The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Wednesday arrested three individuals for allegedly leading anti-government protests in the capital’s Mirpur area on June 22 and 23. The arrestees are GM Wahid Parvez, a Jubo League leader and two

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

DMP arrests 3 for leading anti-government protests in Dhaka

Published :
Jun 25, 2025 22:12
Updated :
Jun 25, 2025 22:12

The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Wednesday arrested three individuals for allegedly leading anti-government protests in the capital’s Mirpur area on June 22 and 23.

The arrestees are GM Wahid Parvez, a Jubo League leader and two others identified as Sagar Biswas, 25, and Md Apon, 20, UNB reports.

“They were arrested in separate operations conducted in Mirpur and Mohammadpur areas today,” said DMP Deputy Commissioner (media) Talebur Rahman.

According to the police official, GM Wahid Parvez led several anti-government protest marches in different parts of Mirpur on June 22 and 23. Acting on intelligence inputs, a CTTC team arrested him from Mirpur earlier today.

Later, around 2:30pm, another CTTC team arrested Sagar Biswas, described by police as a notorious criminal, drug dealer, and mugger, from Chand Udyan area in Mohammadpur, he said.

Based on information provided by Sagar, police also detained Md Apon at around 3:30pm from the Sat Masjid Housing area of Mohammadpur. Both of them are named accused in a case filed with Mohammadpur Police Station, the DC added.

“Legal action is underway against the arrestees,” said Talebur.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh urges restraint, vows to protect communities, worship places

Bangladesh on Friday urged all to refrain from reacting to any matter disregarding the facts and ground realities, stressing that the country remains firmly committed to safeguarding the rights of all communities, including the protection of worship places. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh urges restraint, vows to protect communities, worship places

UNB
Published :
Jun 27, 2025 22:49
Updated :
Jun 27, 2025 22:49

Bangladesh on Friday urged all to refrain from reacting to any matter disregarding the facts and ground realities, stressing that the country remains firmly committed to safeguarding the rights of all communities, including the protection of worship places.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a media release said nothing has ever constrained Bangladesh to uphold its syncretic tradition where every citizen can – and does – live and prosper freely irrespective of one’s faith or belief, in an inclusive and open society.

The MoFA says the attention of the government of Bangladesh has been drawn to media reports alleging the destruction of a Durga temple at Khilkhet in Dhaka.

The fact remains that last year during Durga Puja, without having prior permission, the local Hindu community installed makeshift Puja Mandap on a piece of land that is undisputedly owned by Bangladesh Railways, it says.

Later, the Railways authority extended permission with the condition that as soon as the Puja celebration is over, the organisers would remove the makeshift Mandap. Regrettably, after the Puja was over in October 2024, the organisers declined to remove the makeshift Mandap violating the mutual agreement.

Rather they established a 'Maha Kali' (Kali Murti) there. In spite of repeated reminders, they unfortunately took initiative to make the Mandap permanent, disregarding their own arrangement with the Railways authorities, MoFA says.

In December 2024, Railways authorities held consultations with local community representatives, organisers of the Mandap and issued a public notification asking all concerned to remove all unauthorised installations, including vendors, hundreds of shops and political party offices illegally built either sides of the rail tracks owned by Bangladesh Railway in the area. Basically, 200 feet from the east of the existing rail track is solely the land of Bangladesh Railway, the ministry says.

This is also to mention that two more rail tracks are being constructed under a project titled, "Construction of 3rd & 4th DG line in Dhaka-Tongi section and Doubling of Dual Gauge line in Tongi-Joydebpur section of Bangladesh Railway" and this piece of land was a dire need to complete the new lines under this project.

Over the past months, repeated reminders to the illegal land occupiers went unheeded to, the ministry says.

On June 24 and 25, Bangladesh Railways finally asked all to remove all the unauthorised installations, including the Puja organisers to remove the temporarily built the Mandap.

Finally, on June 26, following due process, Bangladesh Railways proceeded to peaceful eviction of all unauthorised structures along the rail track in Khilkhet area, the Ministry said.

In the course of the eviction process, the idol of the makeshift Mandap was immersed in the nearby Balu River, in due reverence, with the participation of the members of local Hindu community, the ministry says.

It says the removal of unauthorised structures in order to recover government land is a regular and lawful administrative activity.

While the laws of the land ensure full protection to all places of worship without discriminating against any built in conformity with law, it is not permissible for any to build any religious structure encroaching public land under any circumstances, the ministry says.

The organisers of the makeshift Mandap clearly exploited the trust and goodwill of the Railway authorities by violating their own agreement.​

 

[Saif]

Home adviser comments on firearm ‘magazine’ found in adviser Asif’s bag

Home Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury commented about a firearm magazine being discovered in adviser Asif Mahmud's bag saying, It might be just a mistake.

en.prothomalo.com

Home adviser comments on firearm ‘magazine’ found in adviser Asif’s bag
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 30 Jun 2025, 21: 09

Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury File photo

Home affairs adviser Lt. Gen. (retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has answered various questions from newspersons on the incident of a firearm magazine being discovered in the bag of interim government’s another adviser, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, during security screening at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

In response to a question in this regard, during a press briefing held after a meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order at the Ministry of Home Affairs today, Monday, the home adviser said, “It might be just a mistake.”

Asif Mahmud left the country for Morocco in a flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport early on Sunday to attend the ‘OIC Youth Capital International Programme’ scheduled to be held in Marrakesh, Morocco.

During routine baggage scanning, a firearm magazine was detected inside his bag.

Referring to this incident the newspersons asked the home adviser, how does he view the incident of carrying a firearm magazine in the bag while travelling abroad?

In response, Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said, “It has nothing to do with travelling abroad. Sometimes you make mistakes, perhaps you meant to bring your glasses, but mistakenly took your mobile phone instead. It’s just a mistake like that. Since the issue has turned into a talk-of-the-town, I believe he never would have carried it if he had realised it earlier.”

When journalists raised questions about the validity of the home adviser’s statement that adviser Asif Mahmud did this mistakenly, the adviser responded, “Well, I haven’t spoken to him directly. But you can easily understand how it is if you know. I mean, it’s unlikely for him to go there carrying weapons. Suppose, a bullet is found in your pocket, then it becomes clear that you went there by mistake.”

Some sources have described the magazine found in adviser Asif Mahmud’s bag to belong to the well-known firearm, AK-47.

Speaking on this point the adviser said, “No, it isn’t from an AK-47. It belongs to a licensed weapon registered to himself (adviser Asif Mahmud). It was just a pistol magazine that he had left in the bag by an honest mistake.”

According to the Firearms Licensing, Renewal and Use Policy-2016, an individual must be aged between 30 and 70 years to apply for licensing a firearm in Bangladesh.

Speaking about the ongoing speculations regarding Asif Mahmud’s age, the home adviser said, “Is there really an age limit of 30 for a legal licence? Since I haven’t reviewed that specific law thoroughly, I cannot say anything on this issue.”

The newspersons also raised the issue of how the magazine in adviser Asif Mahmud’s bag passed through the first two levels of airport security and was only detected at the third checkpoint.

In reply to the question why wasn’t it detected at the first entrance, the home adviser stated, “As I said already, sometimes - for example- when a political leader enters the airport he may receive some privileges than usual. It has been emphasised that such privileges should not apply to anyone. The law should be enforced equally for everyone.”​

 

[Saif]

No one involved in mob violence will be spared: home adviser

He credits the media and digital platforms for enabling quicker responses

www.thedailystar.net

No one involved in mob violence will be spared: home adviser

Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said those responsible for recent incidents of mob violence will be brought to justice, regardless of their influence or power.

"No one will be spared. Whoever commits such acts will be tracked down and held accountable," he told reporters today after visiting the Industrial Police Headquarters and Uttara East Police Station in Dhaka.

While incidents of mob violence have declined in recent times, the adviser noted a concerning resurgence in some areas.

"We are taking a firm stance. In a recent case in Rangpur, seven people have already been arrested. Anyone involved in such acts will not be allowed to remain in their communities. Legal action is underway," he said.

Jahangir credited the media and digital platforms for enabling quicker responses.

"In the past, we often didn't receive timely information. But with the help of media and digital platforms, we can now act much faster," he said.

On the role of the Industrial Police, he acknowledged that the unit remains understaffed but continues to operate effectively.

"As our number of factories and industrial sites grows, so must the strength and capacity of the Industrial Police. The government is actively working on this," he said.

Referring to issues observed during his visit to Uttara East Police Station, the adviser said some logistical problems had already been addressed.

"For instance, we've fixed the washroom facilities as part of improving working conditions," he said.

When asked about the upcoming national elections, Jahangir said ensuring a peaceful and secure environment is a collective responsibility.

"The Election Commission, administration, assigned officials, and participating political parties all have roles to play. From our end, we're fully prepared to maintain law and order and ensure a fair election," he said.

He reiterated that the government is committed to supporting the Election Commission in ensuring an inclusive and credible election.

Additional Inspector General Gazi Jashim Uddin, chief of the Industrial Police, along with other senior officials, accompanied the adviser during the visit.​