Arms smuggling attempts rise ahead of BD polls: Home Adviser

Home Adviser Lt Gen Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd) speaking to reporters after a medal-giving ceremony and reception for freedom fighters marking Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Day at Pilkhana.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday acknowledged an increase in attempts to smuggle arms into Bangladesh through border points ahead of the national election, saying law enforcement agencies are regularly intercepting and seizing the weapons.

“Some weapons are indeed entering through the border. However, these are being seized regularly—almost every day weapons are being recovered,” he told reporters.

The adviser was speaking after a medal-giving ceremony and reception for freedom fighters marking Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Day at Pilkhana.

Jahangir Alam said all necessary security preparations for the upcoming national polls are underway, with the BGB set to play a crucial role. “About 35,000 BGB members will be deployed for election duties. They are fully prepared,” he added.

Responding to queries about the Keraniganj madrasah explosion and overall law-and-order concerns ahead of the election, he said the prime accused in the incident remains absconding, but his accomplices have already been arrested and the investigation is continuing.

Asked whether recent bomb incidents could disrupt the election process, the adviser said attempts to obstruct elections are not new.

“Fascist forces always try to hinder elections. But with public support and law enforcement efforts, the polls will be fair, peaceful and festive,” he said, adding that the government is committed to delivering a credible and acceptable election.

He also said special training has been provided to security personnel to deal with any situation during the polls and reiterated that they are ‘fully prepared’ to ensure safety and stability. - UNB