Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Thursday said the government is taking swift action against incidents of mob justice across the country. The adviser was replying to a reporter’s question after visiting the Tourist Police Headquarters in the city’s Topkhana Road on Thursday afternoon. Regarding controlling incidents of mob attacks, the home adviser stressed the need for public awareness to curb such incidents. The public must be made aware. If people become unruly, it creates problems. Law enforcement agencies alone cannot always control the such situation, he said. Govt committee recommends withdrawal of 4,615 political cases When asked about the continued prevalence of mob violence over the past six months, including attacks on foreigners and home intrusions, he admitted it saying, "I won’t deny that incidents are happening. But wherever they occur, we are bringing those responsible under the law immediately," he added. The adviser also noted that police officers themselves have come under attacks, further underscoring the importance of public awareness. "Parents and relatives must play a role in controlling their children. The media also has a big role in preventing mob justice," he said. Regarding reports of raids on homes under the guise of operations leading to looting, he said, "No one except law enforcement agencies has the authority to conduct such operations." On the issue of highway robberies, particularly ahead of Eid, he said measures are being taken to prevent such crimes. When asked whether high-risk zones have been identified, he pointed out that robbery incidents are relatively higher in the Dhaka-Rajshahi region and parts of Tangail. "Law enforcement agencies in those areas has been instructed accordingly, and they are now more active than before," he added. CID to investigate Sadeeq Agro owner for illegal cattle import and money laundering Addressing concerns over extortion and snatching ahead of Eid, he assured that authorities are taking steps to prevent such crimes. Commenting on the challenges faced by the Tourist Police, he acknowledged the shortage of personnel, lack of dedicated police stations, and vehicle shortages. Despite these limitations, he praised the force’s efforts, emphasising that an active Tourist Police would help attract more foreign visitors and contribute to the economy. HC issues rule on President's power to pardon convicts without policy

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday ordered the withdrawal of Chakaria Police Station’s officer-in-charge following allegations of detaining and torturing a local journalist.The issue was brought to the adviser’s attention during a meeting at the Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner’s office around 10:30 am. Stay alert to keep law and order:Home Adviser asks law enforcersUpon learning about the incident, the adviser immediately contacted the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Chattogram Range and directed the removal of the OC concerned.During the meeting, Jahangir also urged journalists to publish authentic reports as false or misleading news could create unnecessary social unrest. Making a pointed reference, he mentioned that there was no rape of a woman during a recent robbery on a Rajshahi-bound bus, but some media outlets reported otherwise, causing difficulties for the woman.About the security situation in Cox’s Bazar, Adviser Jahangir said the rate of abduction in the area is high as certain groups, including Rohingyas, are involved in criminal activities. No one should take law into own hands: Home Adviser He stressed the need for their swift repatriation, stating that their (Rohingya) actions were leading to negative perceptions about the people of Cox’s Bazar.

Students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) put up barricade on Dhaka-Aricha highway on Monday demanding resignation of the Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury for his ‘failure’ to bring the law and order situation under control across the country. The students of the university brought out a procession from Shaheed Minar Premises on the campus at noon and took to the street, disrupting vehicular movement. They also chanted slogans ‘one point demand, resignations of Home Adviser’, why mugging occurred across the country, one, two, three, four, want Jahangir's resignation; administration give answers, want safe country, ensure safety of women’. Gazipur Digital University students stage protests disrupting train services Arifuzzaman Ujjal, student of 47th batch of the university, said “We can see that the law and order situation has completely collapsed across the country. Those actively participated in the July revolution came under attack. False cases are being filed in the name of revolutionaries in the name of Devil Hunt. There is no security in our lives. Incidents of murder, mugging and rape are happening horribly across the country.” Rakib Hossain, another student of 49th batch of the Department of Chemistry, said the law and order situation in the country collapsed due to the negligence of the administration.

Decision on the recommendations of the  United Nations Human Rights Office’s (OHCHR) including the dissolution of the RAB and limiting DGFI’s role  to military intelligence activities will be taken collectively, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said. "They have given some proposals and we will sit together to discuss it. Once a decision is made, we will announce it,” he told reporters at the secretariat after launching an online visa-on-arrival and transit visa application system for foreign nationals under SB Immigration. He also introduced system to simplify passport verification and to lodge passport-related complaints through the national helpline 999. HRW urges interim govt to ensure neutrality of Bangladesh security forces Regarding the recommendations to dissolve RAB, limit DGFI functions and ending army control over Ansar, he said, “We have welcomed their investigation as they have done important work. We will sit and decide accordingly," The UN Human Rights Office’s investigative team prepared a report on human rights violations in Bangladesh between July 1 and August 15 last year and revealed in on Wednesday. The findings were presented at a press conference in Geneva on Wednesday by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and other officials.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md. Jahangir Alam has said the public are going through immense sufferings due to the protests of the students of Government Titumir College. The Home Adviser made the remark while talking to reporters after a meeting over law and order and security measures on the occasion of Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day. "The students of Titumir College are making people's lives difficult. Their demands keep increasing day by day. You also know who is behind this,” the adviser said. Titumir College students block Mohakhali level crossing in Dhaka; BGB deployed Several hundred students of Government Titumir College have put up barricades on road and Mohakhali level crossing, halting train movement and causing immense suffering to the commuters. Witnesses said the students put up barricades on the road in front of their college demanding university status around 12 pm on Monday, halting vehicular movement in front of Mohakhali Link road area. No plan to declare Titumir College a university: Adviser They also chanted slogans to press home their several demands including university status. The students brought out a procession around 4:30 pm and put up barricades on Mohakhali level crossing, halting the train movement. A long tailback was created from Mohakhali to Jahangir Gate area forcing the people to leave the vehicle and walk a long distance to their destinations. Russel Sarwar, officer-in-charge of Banani Police Station, said additional police were deployed to avert further trouble.  

Bangladesh will adopt a different ‘tone’ (voice) in its discussions with India at the upcoming Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) – Border Security Force (BSF) Director General (DG) level border conference, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. “What newness you are looking for! The newness is that the way it was spoken before, this time the tone of speech will be different,” he said while speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat on Wednesday. The adviser said that Bangladesh’s stance in the bilateral talks would reflect a shift in approach. The 55th BGB-BSF DG-level border conference is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from February 17 to 20, with various bilateral border issues on the agenda. Over 33,000 foreigners illegally staying in Bangladesh: Home Adviser Ahead of the conference, an inter-ministerial preparatory meeting was held with the Home Affairs Adviser in the chair to finalise Bangladesh’s position. Key Issues on Agenda Adviser Jahangir said border killings will be a major focus of the discussions and that stopping the firing on unarmed Bangladeshi civilians by BSF and Indian miscreants is a priority. “This is completely unacceptable.” Other critical concerns to be raised: Abductions of Bangladeshis by BSF and Indian miscreants while working near the border.Illegal border crossings and violations of territorial boundaries. Drug trafficking, particularly the production and smuggling of Phensedyl and other narcotics from India into Bangladesh. Bangladesh to procure sound grenades, teargas shells for BGB: Home Adviser Activities within 150 yards of the border, which require joint approval but are often carried out unilaterally. Environmental concerns, including industrial waste entering Bangladesh from India via Agartala, for which the existing agreement wording needs correction. Equitable water distribution of smaller transboundary rivers, while larger river issues are handled separately by the Joint River Commission. Border demarcation disputes, specifically at Muhurir Char in Feni, where setting up border pillars remains unresolved. Misinformation & Border Management The adviser talked about false news reports published by Indian media, stating that Bangladesh will raise the issue and discuss ways to stop the spread of misinformation. Discussions will also focus on the Coordinated Border Management Plan, a crucial framework aimed at enhancing security cooperation between the two countries. Addressing Unequal Agreements The Adviser also said that Bangladesh would bring up several past agreements with India that were deemed unequal. “These matters will be discussed. We will say that these agreements should be annulled and that they should have been done differently. Bangladesh had previously raised these concerns through the Foreign Ministry.” Over Stayers Given Deadline Regarding foreign nationals overstaying their visas in Bangladesh, the Adviser said that those without valid visas must leave Bangladesh by January 31 after paying fines. “If they remain beyond the deadline, legal action will be taken.” No Compromise on Core Issues: BGB DG BGB Director General Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui said, “Whether it is border killings, the construction of fences in 150 areas, the Angorpota-Dahagram issue in Chapainawabganj, or river-related problems—these are our main agenda. We will not make any concessions on these matters.”  

Legal steps will be taken against foreign nationals who will stay in Bangladesh without valid documents after January 31, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said. The Home Adviser came up with the information while speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat held over the DG-level border conference between India and Bangladesh. Visa determines the time of stay in any country and if someone overstays, he/she has to pay a fine, he said. Resolve dispute of DU-affiliated colleges through discussions: Home Adviser  “We have increased this fine fivefold—previously, it was Tk 200 per day, but now it has been set at Tk 1,000 per day,” he said. Besides, earlier the foreigners had to pay a maximum Tk 30,000 as fine for staying illegally in the country, no matter how long someone stayed illegally but was abolished later. Bangladesh to hold talks with India over ‘unfair deals’: Home Adviser  

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has called on the United States to take in more Rohingyas from Bangladesh for rehabilitation. He made the request during a meeting with the US Embassy's Charge d’Affaires in Bangladesh, Tracey Ann Jacobson, at the Secretariat on Tuesday. Praising the US for its humanitarian aid and rehabilitation efforts for the Rohingyas, the adviser said, “The US has already rehabilitated some Rohingyas. I urge them to take in more for rehabilitation.” Responding to the request, Jacobson highlighted the US’s significant contribution to Rohingya development and rehabilitation. UN’s IIMM to investigate allegations of abuse against Rohingyas She noted that USAID, a US-based development organisation, has been collaborating with local Bangladeshi NGOs to improve the living standards of the Rohingyas. “The US has already rehabilitated about 17,000 Rohingyas and this process is going on.” The bilateral meeting covered several topics, including security, counterterrorism, the Rohingya crisis, law enforcement cooperation, police reforms, border issues, minority rights and agriculture. Terming the US a key development partner, the adviser acknowledged its continued support in addressing terrorism and security challenges. He also urged the US to provide training for the police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Coast Guard on human rights and human trafficking. Responding to a query, Jahangir Alam said that the country’s borders are stable, with a director-general-level meeting between the BGB and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) scheduled to take place in New Delhi next month. On the question of minority persecution, the adviser dismissed such claims as propaganda from Indian media. “There is no persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. We consider everyone as Bangladeshi citizens with equal rights.” Govt demands clarification from UN on Rohingya exodus report He attributed isolated incidents involving minorities after August 5 to political reasons rather than religious ones. Jacobson reaffirmed the US’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development. She announced that the US is now allowing 30% more Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education compared to previous years. “We will also provide additional training to law enforcement agencies and ensure that participants apply their knowledge effectively upon returning to their duties.” Highlighting the importance of information sharing and database exchange to tackle terrorism and security concerns, Jacobson noted that the countries enjoy robust cooperation in these areas. Senior officials from the US Embassy in Dhaka were present at the meeting.

The government is set to procure sound grenades and teargas shells for the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), said Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (ret) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. "The BGB has always been equipped with deadly weapons, but they have not had non-lethal alternatives like sound grenades or tear gas. On January 18, there were tensions along the Chapainawabganj border, where Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) reportedly used teargas and sound grenades. But the BGB did not have these options at their disposal," he said following a meeting at his ministry on Monday. Over 33,000 foreigners illegally staying in Bangladesh: Home Adviser In the past, the Adviser said, the BGB had been equipped solely with lethal weapons, which had led to questions about why the force did not use sound grenades or tear gas during border confrontations. In light of these developments, Jahangir Alam said, the government had now authorised the purchase of non-lethal crowd control equipment for the BGB. "We have given permission to procure these items. The BGB already has access to deadly weapons, but they did not have items like sound grenades or tear gas, which will now be acquired for their use," he added. In comparison, the BSF currently possesses such equipment, giving them an advantage in handling border situations that require non-lethal means of crowd control, he said. Despite these issues, the Adviser said, the border situation remains stable, with no major problems reported at present. Meeting underway to finalise new uniform designs for police, RAB, Ansar Turning to the issue of foreign nationals residing illegally in Bangladesh, the Adviser provided updates on a previous circular regarding the matter. "Previously, we reported that 49,226 foreign nationals were residing illegally in Bangladesh after their visas had expired. However, this number has now been reduceda to 33,648. The deadline for these individuals to leave the country is set for January 31," he said.

Over 33, 000 foreigners are still illegally staying in the country, Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said. He came up with the information while briefing the media after a meeting on law and order at the conference room of his ministry on Monday. Govt paving the way for a smoke-free Bangladesh: DORP Warning of strict action against the illegal foreigners, the Home Adviser said they set a deadline for them to be legalised and action would be taken once the timeframe is over. “Action will also be taken against those employing illegal foreigners.” As of October 30 last year, there were 49, 266 illegal foreigners but this number stood at 33, 648 till January 18 this year, he said. US extends support to charting ‘prosperous, democratic path’ for Bangladesh An amount of Tk 10.53 crore was released from the illegal foreigners as penalty, Adviser Jahangir Alam said.