No one faces security concerns in Bangladesh: Home Adviser

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said that no one in Bangladesh, including BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, faces any security concerns. He added that the authorities are prepared to provide enhanced protection to those who require it.

He made the remarks while responding to journalists after a meeting of the core committee on law and order at the ministry’s conference room at the Secretariat on Tuesday, December 2.

Asked whether Tarique Rahman would face any security issues upon returning to the country, the adviser said the home ministry is ready to ensure safety for all. He added that special security will be provided to those who need it.

When asked why it took so long to grant former prime minister Khaleda Zia the status of a very important person, he said he could not comment on the matter, as only the authorities with that mandate could take such decisions.

Responding to a question on phone surveillance, he said only authorised agencies conduct such monitoring.

The adviser said the core committee meeting discussed the overall law and order situation, with the main focus on preparations for the upcoming national election. Other issues included drug control, border and hill region security, and the recovery of looted weapons.

He added that deployment of law enforcement will consider the number of vulnerable and non-vulnerable polling centres. The meeting also reviewed progress on the procurement and training related to body-worn cameras, as well as the readiness of other security forces.

Asked how many body-worn cameras will be purchased, he said the ministry will procure as many as necessary.

He declined to disclose which areas were considered vulnerable, saying the list could change based on the situation. Final details will be shared once confirmed.

Regarding border security, he said measures are being taken to prevent illegal crossings during the election.

On the report of the inquiry committee into the BDR mutiny, he said the ministry is reviewing the extensive document and will fully implement its recommendations after completing the review.