There is some election-related violence, but it is ‘not worsening’, says home advisor

He calls for tolerance and patience among the public in order to shore up law and order and prevent the escalation of small disputes

Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has admitted that there is some election-centric violence across Bangladesh, but claims that the level of violence is not increasing.

The home advisor was the chief guest at the medal distribution ceremony for 40 members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard in Agargaon on Monday. Later, when speaking to the media, he answered a number of questions.

One reporter quoted data from Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) that 15 people had lost their lives in election-related violence since the polls schedule was announced. Asked if the home advisor was finding the election challenging, Jahangir said everyone was now focusing on the election.

He said, "You can ask the TIB if it can give an account of how many people (have died) in previous years. If the TIB has given a report, I will not reject it. Clashes are happening, sometimes even due to infighting. Law and order is often difficult to maintain. One or two fights are breaking out. It is not that these things are not happening."

In response to another question, he said although there has been violence, it is not increasing.

When asked if any orders are forthcoming in this regard, Jahangir said law-enforcing agencies have already taken to the field and everything is under control.

The home affairs advisor also called on the people to be patient and stay alert, saying: "One brother finds it difficult to tolerate a little talk from another. Everyone needs to be a little more patient."

Jahangir was also asked about a previous comment in which he stated that illegal weapons that have not been recovered will not affect the elections. Asked if these weapons were being recovered and if they were used in any killings, he said:

“Weapons are being recovered every day. The weapons used in the killings of Hadi and Musabbir have also been recovered."

The violence since the announcement of the election schedule will not have an impact on the vote, he reiterated.

He also dismissed claims that pirates had taken control of the Sundarbans.

"So many tourists could not have gone there if it had fallen into the hands of pirates,” he said. “The Sundarbans are under our complete control."