Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury speaking as the chief guest at a law and order exchange meeting held at the Barisal District Shilpakala Academy this afternoon. Photo: Ministry

BARISHAL, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS) – Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury the today directed law enforcement agencies to take a zero-tolerance approach against miscreants and terrorists to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election.

“No compromise would be made on law and order, warning that any attempt to disrupt public security would be dealt with firmly,” he said. 

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a law and order exchange meeting held at the Barisal District Shilpakala Academy this afternoon. 

The adviser stressed professionalism before, during, and after Election Day to ensure a safe, festive environment where voters can cast their ballots freely.

He also emphasized coordinated efforts among the Election Commission, returning officers, intelligence agencies, police, armed forces, RAB, BGB, Ansar-VDP, Coast Guard, judicial and mobile courts, and civil administration. 

Regular district-level law and order committee meetings and enhanced coordination were also instructed, with a warning that negligence or lack of coordination would not be tolerated, he also said.

The Home Adviser instructed the law enforcement agencies to swiftly arrest accomplices of fascists, miscreants, and terrorists. 

He ordered intensive patrolling for four days prior to the election and emphasized coordinated operations in remote and char areas. 

“Special drives will be conducted against terrorists, extortionists, drug dealers, and other criminals to bring them under the law,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the upcoming elections would set a benchmark appreciated both nationally and internationally, urging vigilance so that no mistake undermines public trust or the country’s image.

Responding to journalists’ questions about risky polling stations, the Home Affairs Adviser said additional forces would be deployed at sensitive locations. Body-worn cameras, CCTV, drones, and dog squads will be used, alongside the Election Security App-2026 developed by the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC). 

He noted that the app had already proven effective during the last Durga Puja, warning that anyone attempting mischief would not escape detection.

The meeting was organized by the Barisal divisional administration to ensure the smooth conduct of the 13 national parliament election and referendum slated for February 12 next. 

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Ghani presided over the event. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, Director General of Bangladesh Coast Guard Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Hoque, Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud and Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, among others, were present as the special guests.

In his speech, Home Secretary Nasimul Ghani called on election officials and law enforcement personnel to uphold moral integrity and work in unison to ensure a free, fair, impartial, and festive election.

Barisal Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman delivered the welcome address.

All Deputy Commissioners of Barisal Division, Superintendents of Police, Upazila Executive Officers, election officials, armed forces representatives, and senior police officials attended the meeting.