Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has indicated that the army will continue its deployment with executive magistracy powers throughout the upcoming national elections.
Speaking to reporters after a law and order review meeting at the Secretariat on Tuesday (November 4), the adviser dismissed suggestions that the army’s deployment might end before the polls.
“Why would it stop? Are we stopping it?” he remarked.
Jahangir warned that any law enforcement officers found negligent or politically biased during election duties would face swift disciplinary and legal action. “If any police member shows negligence, they will be punished under the law without delay,” he stressed.
He expressed optimism that the February national election would take place in a peaceful, free, and festive atmosphere.
Regarding the long-discussed formation of a police commission, the adviser said it had not been on the meeting’s agenda but assured that the initiative “will eventually take shape.”
Earlier, on November 1, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus instructed the heads of the three armed forces to ensure maximum security and maintain peace during the election.
Following the directive, the chiefs of the army, navy, and air force—General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan—briefed the chief adviser on their preparedness during a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna.
According to official sources, around 90,000 army troops, 2,500 naval personnel, and 1,500 air force members will be deployed nationwide to assist civil administration in maintaining order during the election period. Each upazila is expected to have at least one service company on standby.
In September, the government extended the executive magistracy powers of army officers for 60 more days, later expanding similar powers to navy and air force personnel starting 30 September 2024. The extensions have since continued in phases.
On a separate issue, the adviser confirmed that a committee has been formed to investigate reports of several firearms missing after the recent fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s cargo village. “We will determine after the probe whether the weapons were stolen. If theft is confirmed, the culprits will face legal action,” Jahangir said, noting that the exact number of missing weapons has not yet been verified.
He also acknowledged that several weapons looted during the previous government’s tenure remain unrecovered.
Responding to questions about the airport fire, the adviser said a general diary had been filed, which is standard procedure following such incidents.
Jahangir further urged journalists to play an active role in countering misinformation circulating on social media. “False and provocative statements often come from abroad, though some local individuals are involved. Police are identifying and taking action against them,” he said.
The adviser added that e-gates at Shahjalal International Airport had been reopened after temporary disruptions, and remaining technical issues would soon be resolved.
