United News of Bangladesh

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday instructed members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard to maintain strict political neutrality and professionalism during election duties, warning of severe consequences for any form of bias. Speaking at a medal distribution ceremony at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Jahangir Alam said the force must play its role with honesty and integrity to ensure that the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum, scheduled for 12 February 2026, are conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner. He said there was ‘no scope whatsoever’ for Coast Guard personnel to engage with any political party, individual or agenda during the election period. As state employees, the adviser added, their primary responsibility was to uphold the law, ensure public security and serve the public interest. Home Affairs Adviser directs strict action against election code violations The Home Adviser warned that any member found supporting a candidate or implementing a party agenda would face strict departmental and legal action, with no leniency. Even minor displays of bias would not be tolerated, he said. According to Jahangir Alam, the credibility of the election would largely depend on the honesty, efficiency and professionalism of those deployed on duty. He also cautioned against unethical conduct, negligence or yielding to temptation, saying such actions would invite severe punishment. Extra forces, drones, CCTV to guard risky polling centres: Home Adviser Describing corruption as the ‘greatest enemy of the state’, he said it weakened institutions from within and eroded public trust. Pursuing personal gain or political benefit, he added, was not only illegal but also damaging to the foundations of the state. The Home Adviser reminded personnel that the Bangladesh Coast Guard is funded by taxpayers and exists solely to ensure national security and public welfare. On election security arrangements, he said around 3,585 Coast Guard members had been deployed alongside nearly 900,000 personnel from various law enforcement agencies. He said some 100 Coast Guard platoons were currently operating across districts in the Barishal, Chattogram and Khulna divisions. Jahangir Alam also highlighted the government’s commitment to modernising the Coast Guard. He said procurement was underway for bulletproof high-speed boats and surveillance drones equipped with ground control stations. Twelve surveillance drones donated by the Australian Border Force had already been inducted, he added. Further development plans include the construction of a multi-role response vessel and two offshore patrol vessels with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Future initiatives would also involve the induction of helicopters, rescue drones and a coastal surveillance system. The Home Adviser congratulated the medal recipients and expressed hope that Coast Guard personnel, guided by patriotism, would continue to serve the country with honesty and dedication to help build a peaceful, secure and prosperous Bangladesh.