Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.) today stressed that law enforcement actions should be based on crime, not political affiliations.
“We’re not working for the benevolence of any party. Whatever needs to be done is being done for the welfare of the country,” he told journalists after a meeting with officials from the Home and Agriculture Ministries at the Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner’s office.
He clarified that no administrative department had been instructed to show leniency towards any political group. “If leaders and activists of any party are involved in encroachment or any other crime, strict action will be taken against them based on evidence,” he added.
Police Officer Removed Following Journalist’s Complaint
In a swift move, the adviser ordered the removal of Chakaria Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Manjur Quader Bhuiyan within 24 hours. He issued the directive to the Chittagong Range DIG over the phone after a journalist raised a complaint.
Jahangir Alam Chowdhury also acknowledged rising concerns over kidnappings and drug trafficking in Cox’s Bazar, which have been widely reported in the media.
“You (journalists) and the conscious locals know who is responsible. Unfortunately, our administration has a tendency to favor those who are likely to come to power,” he remarked.
Rohingya Crisis and Myanmar Trade Concerns
Addressing the ongoing Rohingya crisis, the adviser reiterated that Bangladesh provided shelter on humanitarian grounds. However, he suggested the actual number of Rohingyas in the country far exceeds the official figure of 1.2 million, posing a security and economic burden.
“Without repatriation, it is difficult to control criminal activities in border areas,” he said.
On trade relations with Myanmar, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury noted disruptions since the Arakan Army took control of Rakhine State.
“They detained many ships and took Bangladeshi fishermen. To ensure border security and Rohingya repatriation, we are maintaining contact with the Arakan Army,” he confirmed.
This development highlights Bangladesh’s growing concerns over border security, law enforcement impartiality, and regional stability.
