Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today spoke at a press briefing after the 20th meeting of the Law and Order Advisory Council Committee at the Home Ministry in Bangladesh Secretariat. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today said that extensive operations have been carried out across the country to arrest criminals and miscreants ahead of the 13th national parliament election and referendum-2026, aiming to ensure a free, fair, impartial and peaceful polling environment.

Speaking after a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Law and Order at the Home Ministry, he said that a total of 53,367 people have been arrested so far, including 33,513 individuals apprehended on the basis of cases and warrants.

Of them, 19,854 were arrested under the ongoing Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2, launched on December 13, 2025.

He said law enforcement agencies have also recovered a large cache of illegal arms and explosives during the operation, including 346 firearms, 2,191 rounds of bullets, 722 cartridges, 694 indigenous weapons, grenades, mortar shells, gunpowder and bomb-making materials.

"The government will strictly suppress any kind of mischief or activities that may hinder or affect the elections," the Home Adviser said.

The Home Adviser said they have instructed all law enforcement agencies to take swift legal action against anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process.

He noted that security measures have been significantly strengthened nationwide, with increased check posts, patrols and special operations to prevent terrorists and criminals from moving freely and to recover illegal and looted weapons.

Expressing gratitude to members of the armed forces, police and other law enforcement agencies, the Home Adviser said their coordinated efforts have helped maintain stability in the law and order situation.

"With the joint efforts of all, we will be able to give the nation the gift of a free, fair, impartial, peaceful and festive national election, Insha Allah," he added.