Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday reaffirmed that the February-12 national election will proceed as scheduled, dismissing any speculation about any possible delay, or threats to its stability.

“The terrorists who were active in the past fled the country after August 5 and those who supported terrorism are no longer present. They lack the courage and are now making various statements from hiding,” he said while speaking at the passing-out parade of the 63rd batch of the basic training course for prison guards at the parade ground of Kashimpur Central Jail in Gazipur.

The adviser urged foreign countries to return fugitives involved in militancy and fascist activities to Bangladesh.

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Turning to the corruption issue, he said, “Corruption not only causes economic damage but also weakens state institutions from within and erodes public trust…it is the number one enemy of the state.”

About jail management, Jahangir Alam said any prison official who works for personal interest, greed or political gain not only violates the law but also undermines the foundation of the state. “Prisons are sensitive and vital institutions and an integral part of the criminal justice system.”

Noting that protecting the fundamental rights of inmates and reintegrating them into society as reformed citizens is a responsibility of the state, the adviser said, “By embracing the great responsibility of patriotism, prison officers play a crucial role in establishing a non-discriminatory, fair, transparent and accountable prison administration.”

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He also expressed the hope that the newly trained guards would contribute effectively to building a transparent, accountable and justice-based prison administration driven by patriotism.

Earlier, Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General Syed Muhammad Motahar Hussain, along with other senior officials, welcomed the chief guest upon his arrival.

The adviser received a guard of honour and witnessed physical drills and unarmed self-defence demonstrations by the trainees.

A total of 866 male and female prison guards participated in the basic training course, which began on September 14.