United News of Bangladesh

Agriculture and Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday said that this season's Boro paddy harvest in the country has been satisfactory and harvesting will be completed within the scheduled timeframe. “Arial Beel is an area rich in natural diversity. Everyone must remain vigilant to protect its biodiversity and environment. Necessary measures have been taken to ensure water drainage and facilitate crop transportation in Arial Beel and the surrounding areas,” he said while visiting Arial Beel in Srinagar upazila of Munshiganj district to inspect the Boro harvest and exchange views with farmers. During the interaction, farmers requested the withdrawal of cases filed against those who had protested the construction of an airport in Arial Beel. In response, the adviser assured them that necessary steps would be taken to withdraw the cases. Farmers also urged for the establishment of patrol posts to prevent illegal soil trading, to which the adviser directed the concerned authorities to set up patrol posts urgently. Adviser Asif Nazrul trashes report by Indian portal as false, defamatory Speaking at the event, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan said that locals must cooperate to preserve the environment of Arial Beel. Adilur also noted that several development projects have been undertaken for Munshiganj, and emphasised that the projects must be implemented properly to ensure food security and achieve self-sufficiency in food production. Agriculture Secretary Md Emdad Ullah Mian and senior officials of the district administration were also present.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today said that now is the time for the police force to prove themselves by providing service.  “The interim government is a non-political one. With the absence of political influence, there is opportunity to work with honesty, efficiency, and impartiality. The police force should utilise this opportunity to dedicate themselves to the service of the nation,” he said. The adviser made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at a views exchange meeting with members of the Armed Forces Division, various police units, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Coast Guard, Ansar and VDP, Prisons Department, Fire Service and Civil Defense Department, and Narcotics Control Department at the Barishal Police Lines. The adviser also emphasised the crucial role of law enforcement in controlling prices. He said, “The law enforcers play an important role in controlling the prices of goods. The members of the forces have to stop extortion and stay away from it.”  Failure to do so would tarnish the force's reputation, he said. The adviser said, “No one can be arrested in civil clothes. No one can be brought under the law without identity.”  The adviser also mentioned that the condition of police stations, including food and sanitation facilities, was not satisfactory. He directed senior officials to focus on resolving these issues for police personnel. He said the armed forces had been granted magisterial power to assist in maintaining law and order, adding, “The term would be extended further and the BGB and Coast Guard would be included.”  While briefing reporters after the meeting, the adviser said, “The current government is trying to transform the police into a people-friendly force. To this end, efforts such as the formation of a police reform commission are ongoing.” He remarked that the law and order situation in Barishal is relatively better compared to other areas. He further instructed the police to be more vigilant in preventing various public disturbances, including road blockades due to various demands.  Inspector General of Police Md Moinul Islam, Director General of RAB A.K.M. Shahidur Rahman, Divisional Commissioner of Barishal Md Raihan Kawser, were present at the time, among others.