Law enforcement tied to politics will face strict action: Home Adviser

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said strict legal action would be taken against any law enforcement personnel involved in political activities during the 13th national parliamentary elections and referendum.

Delivering the keynote address at a medal-awarding ceremony at the Bangladesh Coast Guard headquarters in the apital's Agargaon on Tuesday (February 3), the Home Adviser emphasised that any member of the Coast Guard or other law enforcement agencies found aligned with an individual, party, or political agenda would face departmental and legal measures.

Highlighting the contributions of the Coast Guard, he noted the force’s role in ensuring security along coastal areas and inland waterways, preventing illegal fishing, arms and drug trafficking, human trafficking, piracy, and robbery. The force has also been actively involved in rescue operations for distressed vessels and sailors.

He praised the Coast Guard’s efforts in disaster response, including cyclone and flood preparedness, relief distribution, and support for Rohingya crisis management, as well as distributing life jackets and winter supplies to vulnerable communities.

Ahead of the elections, approximately 900,000 law enforcement personnel, including 3,585 Coast Guard members, have been deployed nationwide to ensure free, fair, peaceful, and impartial voting. So far, 100 platoons have been deployed in Barishal, Chattogram, and Khulna divisions.

The Home Adviser also cautioned against corruption, noting it undermines state institutions and erodes public trust.

During the event, 40 Coast Guard members were awarded medals for exemplary service. Senior Secretary Nasimul Ghani and Director General of the Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Mohammad Ziaul Haque, among others, were present.