The government is taking active steps to recover illegal arms across the country, including weapons looted during the recent mass uprising, ahead of the upcoming national election, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday.
Speaking to journalists after visiting the Narayanganj Police Lines, the adviser stated, “Not all illegal arms have been recovered yet, but efforts are underway to retrieve them before the election. Political parties must play a key role in this effort.”
He added, “If journalists present the truth, confusion can be dispelled. We want all facts to come out neutrally. Political parties will remain active for the election, while our responsibility is to ensure security.”
Regarding the ongoing investigations into cases related to the July uprising, he acknowledged significant progress. However, he noted that many people were deliberately implicated, which is causing delays. “We are being cautious to ensure no innocent person is harassed,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the adviser visited the RAB-11 headquarters in Siddhirganj’s Adamjee area. There, he confirmed reports that over the past month, India had pushed back around 1,500 Bangladeshi nationals into the country. “The number of recent pushbacks has decreased slightly,” he said.
He emphasized that Bangladesh is obligated to accept its own citizens, “even if it takes 10 or 20 years.” However, he made it clear that the government is not accepting Rohingyas being pushed in from India and is sending them back.
He accused the Indian authorities of sometimes abandoning people in forests or along riverbanks instead of following due process. “This is unacceptable, and we have protested. Some results are already visible,” he said.
Commenting on the recent high-profile mugging in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area, the adviser said four suspects have been identified, with three arrested and the stolen phone recovered. “The investigation is ongoing. No one will be spared. Any official negligence will also be punished,” he warned.
The adviser was accompanied by RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman, Dhaka Range DIG Rezaul Karim Mallick, Narayanganj Superintendent of Police Pratyush Majumdar, Additional SP (Admin and Finance) Tasmin Akhter, Additional SP (Crime and Operations) Tarek Al Mehedi, and Additional SP (DSB) Israt Jahan, among other officials.
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