| Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam on Sunday dismissed speculation that government advisers are seeking a "safe exit," asserting he has no reason to do so.
“My sons and daughters are in the country. What am I supposed to do alone about the safe exit? If anyone wants it, that is their personal matter — but what would I do with a safe exit?” he told reporters after a core committee meeting on law and order held at the Secretariat.
Addressing the issue of stolen firearms, Jahangir Alam said he may provide an update after consulting with the Inspector General of Police (IGP). He noted that full recovery of weapons is a continuing process, underscoring the role of law enforcement in maintaining stability.
“Not all weapons are recovered immediately — that’s why law enforcement agencies exist. If every weapon were recovered, there would be no need for them,” he said.
The adviser also expressed confidence that the upcoming national election would be held smoothly and securely, with strict adherence to the law in all matters — including the trial of accused army personnel currently in military custody. “Whatever the law prescribes will be followed,” he said.
Key election security measures announced:
Neutral administration: Directives have been issued to deputy commissioners (DCs), superintendents of police (SPs), Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs), and officers-in-charge (OCs) to perform their duties impartially during the polls.
Polling station monitoring: All high-risk polling stations will be brought under CCTV surveillance, and election officials and law enforcers will be equipped with body-worn cameras to ensure transparency.
New deployment strategy: Individuals who performed duties during the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections will be avoided “as much as possible” in the upcoming polls.
Enhanced patrol and intelligence: Law enforcement patrols and intelligence monitoring will be intensified nationwide to prevent any deterioration of law and order.
Police training:
Around 150,000 police members are being trained across 130 venues in 28 batches.
The first batch of 6,500 officers has completed training, and the second is underway.
Training began on 5 October 2025 and is expected to conclude by 15 January 2026.
Ansar and VDP deployment:
585,000 members will be deployed — 13 for each of the 45,000 polling centres.
135,000 of them will be armed, with training to be completed by mid-January.
Ansar Battalion members will also serve as striking forces, with 3,157 new recruits undergoing training.
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB):
1,100 platoons (33,000 members) will be deployed across the country.
Training for 60% of BGB personnel has been completed, with the rest expected to finish by 31 December.
Armed forces: Around 80,000 military personnel will also be deployed during the election period.
Jahangir Alam concluded by stating that the government is taking all necessary measures to prevent instability — including issues related to the demarcation of constituencies — and will act firmly against any individuals or groups attempting to disrupt the voting process.
“A coordinated action plan will be adopted to guarantee a free and neutral election,” he said.
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