Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd) on Wednesday urged election officials and law enforcement personnel to perform their duties with honesty, integrity and sincerity, reminding them of the tragic consequences of fascism.
He made the remarks at a meeting on law and order organised by the Khulna Divisional Administration at the conference room of the Khulna Divisional Commissioner’s office to ensure the smooth conduct of the national election and referendum–2026.
Over the past 16 years, the adviser said, fascism had taken root through cloudy and biased election processes, in which state machinery was misused.
He said people’s voting rights were taken away through a dictatorial system, leading to the establishment of autocracy and fascist structures.
Referring to the 2024 mass uprising led by students to end fascism, he said many of those involved in the process were part of the government machinery and are now facing legal consequences, including dismissal, exile, imprisonment and prosecution.
Expressing hope that all concerned would learn from the past, he called on officials to discharge their responsibilities properly in the upcoming national elections scheduled for February 12.
Addressing election officials and members of law enforcement agencies, the adviser said the expectations of the people and political parties regarding the election are very high.
Jahangir Alam stressed that ensuring a credible election rests largely on their shoulders.
He warned that even a minor mistake or irregularity could damage the image of the election and the country, and said strict action would be taken against returning officers, assistant returning officers, presiding officers and others concerned if any irregularities or ballot box snatching occur.
Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said a Central Law and Order Coordination Cell has already been formed at the Ministry of Home Affairs to monitor the overall election situation.
Representatives of law enforcement agencies will be stationed there to ensure quick information sharing and rapid response to any emerging situation.
He also said the Election Security App–2026, developed by the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC), would play an effective role in maintaining law and order. The app will connect law enforcement agencies, election officials and the ministry’s central control room to receive and resolve complaints swiftly.
The adviser instructed authorities to issue entry passes quickly to election observers and ensure journalists are provided identity cards and full cooperation.
He said the law and order situation on polling day must be improved so that voters can cast their votes in a joyful and festive atmosphere.
BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman and Bangladesh Police Additional IGP (Crime and Ops) Khandaker Rafiqul Islam spoke as special guests at the meeting, chaired by Home Ministry Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani.