Maintaining law and order for 180 million people is very difficult: Home Adviser

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said maintaining law and order for a population of 180 million is an extremely difficult task.

He made the comments while speaking to reporters on Sunday (1 February) after a meeting with law enforcement agencies at the Chattogram World Trade Centre.

He said journalists often accuse authorities of failing to control law and order. “Even silencing a small group of journalists here takes time. So maintaining law and order for 180 million people is a very difficult job,” he said.

The adviser said law enforcement agencies are well prepared for the election. “If they work according to their preparation, the election will be very fair, peaceful and festive,” he said.

He also said the level of freedom currently seen on social media, including Facebook, did not exist in the past. Shutting down Facebook or the internet is no longer acceptable, he added, warning that action would be taken against anyone attempting to do so.

He said everyone is now free to write and express opinions. “Previously, even journalists were under control and did not dare ask questions in front of the home minister. That environment has changed,” he said.

He added that the law and order situation in Chattogram is currently good and no disorder will be allowed. The army, BGB and police are working in coordination, he said.