The interim government is on the highest alert to keep the law and order situation normal and under control, said Home Affairs Advisor and Convener of the Advisory Council on Law and Order, Lieutenant General (Retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. He said this at a press briefing organized after the 19th meeting of the Advisory Council on Law and Order at the conference room of the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday (January 5, 2026).
The Home Affairs Advisor said that various important issues including a review of the overall law and order situation in the country, security preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections, progress in the trial of the murder of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, a frontline fighter of the July popular uprising, progress of Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2, recovery of illegal and looted weapons, anti-drug operations, situation in the border and Chittagong Hill Tracts were discussed in detail in the meeting.
He said that utmost importance has been given to ensuring that the law and order situation is not disrupted in any way in view of the upcoming national elections. For this purpose, instructions have been given to increase intelligence surveillance nationwide, strengthen the activities of law enforcement agencies, and ensure coordination of intelligence information among all agencies.
The Home Affairs Advisor also said that during the election period, all law enforcement agencies will have to work more actively at the field level in a coordinated manner. All measures will be taken to maintain law and order during political programs and campaigns centered around the elections. He called on the general public and all concerned to cooperate in ensuring the election environment as well as to comply with the election code of conduct.
He said that the current interim government is steadfast in holding elections on time and those who try to sabotage the elections will fail. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to be stricter in this regard. If necessary, law enforcement members can enter any place, including polling stations, at any time and keep the situation under control.
The press briefing stated that if the roads are blocked and public suffering is caused, the law enforcement agencies will take appropriate action immediately and no concessions will be made in this regard.
The Home Affairs Advisor said that the final charge sheet will be submitted on January 7, 2026, in the case filed in the murder of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, a frontline fighter of the July uprising. 11 people have already been arrested in this incident and a decision has been made to transfer the case to a speedy trial tribunal. He also assured that justice for this murder will be ensured during the term of the interim government.
He said that political parties have been asked to be vigilant so that fascist agents or saboteurs cannot infiltrate different political parties under the guise of collaborators. In addition, it is also called upon to be vigilant so that saboteurs do not get away with taking advantage of the mutual accusations of political parties.
The Home Affairs Advisor said that 14,569 people have been arrested in the Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2 campaign that started on December 13, 2025, until January 4, 2026. At the same time, 201 firearms, a large amount of bullets, cartridges, indigenous weapons, grenades, mortar shells, bomb-making materials and various illegal items have been recovered. He said that a total of 33,804 people have been arrested on the basis of cases and warrants.
Regarding the anti-drug campaign, the Home Affairs Advisor said that in December 2025, the Department of Narcotics Control conducted nationwide campaigns, filed 658 regular cases and operated 1,613 mobile courts. During this time, 2,375 people were arrested and a large amount of marijuana, yaba, heroin, distilled liquor, cash and vehicles were seized.
He further said that due to the severe cold wave and fog, drivers and transport owners-workers’ associations have been instructed to exercise caution while driving vehicles on roads and highways so that accidents can be avoided.
The meeting reiterated the government’s firm stance on maintaining communal harmony. At the same time, it was decided to strengthen surveillance to prevent rumors, propaganda and provocative statements through social media.
In addition, the decision to further strengthen regular patrols and special operations to ensure security on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, suppress smuggling and drugs, and maintain peace in the hilly regions was also announced in the press briefing.
The Home Affairs Advisor said that it is not possible to maintain this stability in the law and order situation in the country without the cooperation of journalists. The government’s efforts to maintain peace, stability and continuity of development in the country will continue in the future.
