Not all weapons looted during uprising recovered yet: Advisor Jahangir

The home advisor says law enforcers have “no lack of logistical support” to ensure election security

A number of government-issued weapons looted before and after the July Uprising remain unaccounted for, Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury says.

Speaking during a visit to the Narayanganj District Police Lines on Saturday afternoon, he said the recovery effort is ongoing, and more arms could be retrieved before the general election.

“We haven’t yet been able to recover all the weapons. We’re trying. Allah willing, more may be recovered before the election,” he said.

Jahangir said law-enforcing agencies are “not facing any shortage of logistical support” as Bangladesh prepares for the 13th national parliamentary polls.

He noted that the primary responsibility for a peaceful election rests with the political participants themselves, followed by the Election Commission, the civil administration and security forces.

“If all candidates cooperate, holding the election will be possible without any difficulty,” he said.

“The election must be conducted with the help of the people, and we are committed to making that happen.”

Earlier in the day, the advisor visited the RAB-11 Headquarters at Adamjee, where he was asked about cross-border “push-ins” from India.

“We must accept those who are Bangladeshi nationals living there [in India], whether they went 10 or 20 years ago. But we are not accepting Rohingya. We are sending them back,” he said.

He accused Indian authorities of sidestepping formal channels in deporting people.

“We’ve asked them to follow proper procedure. We do. But they are leaving people in forests and on riverbanks. That is unacceptable. It’s a violation of human rights.

“We’ve protested, and it has started to slow,” Jahangir added.

Speaking on the political climate, he urged media outlets to report events “truthfully and transparently”.

“The ministry’s directive is clear -- tell the truth. There’s no room for hiding facts. People are alert, though some groups will always try to create instability,” he said.

He brushed aside any suggestion of a rift between the government and political parties. “Those trying to create conflict between police and political actors should keep it within their own ranks.

“There’s no reason for any party to be at odds with us,” he said. “Our job is to maintain order. Politicians should go to the people and earn their vote. That is their duty.”

Regarding the progress of cases filed over casualties during the student-led mass uprising last year, he said: “The trials for several cases have already begun.

“There was one murder case where, perhaps, only 20 people should have been accused, but they’ve named 200. That delays investigations.

“We must make sure no innocent person is punished. Some have inserted names of innocent people for personal gain. That’s why it’s taking longer. Had they named the actual suspects, it wouldn’t have taken so much time.”