Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has stated that a candidate’s decision to withdraw from an election is a personal matter, and the government will not issue any official comment on such choices.
His remarks came in response to the recent withdrawal of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate from the Narayanganj-5 (Sadar-Bandar) constituency. “Who votes and who doesn’t – these are individual decisions. We have no position on them,” Jahangir said.
He was speaking at a ceremony in Narayanganj where the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) handed over six police vans to the district police and Industrial Police Unit-4.
Addressing concerns about election-related security, the Adviser acknowledged that safety remains a priority but emphasised that participation ultimately rests with individuals. “If someone cites a security crisis and chooses not to engage, that is their prerogative. The reasons behind such decisions can be explored by journalists,” he added.
When asked about reports of the temporary closure of the Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka due to security concerns, Jahangir said he was unaware of the development. “I’m hearing about it from you,” he replied.
He also expressed deep concern over the recent assassination attempt on Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho. “Hadi is now receiving treatment in Singapore. He is a true July fighter who has made invaluable contributions to the nation. I ask everyone to keep him in their prayers for a full and swift recovery,” Jahangir said.
Praising BKMEA’s donation, the Adviser hailed it as a model of public-private partnership. “The ready-made garment sector – particularly knitwear – is a cornerstone of our economy,” he said. “Its sustainable growth depends on secure industrial zones, stable law and order, and strong cooperation between business leaders and the administration. Today’s gesture reflects that shared commitment.”
The event was chaired by BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem. Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Md Khoda Baksh Chowdhury attended as the special guest. Also present were Industrial Police Chief Gazi Jasim Uddin, Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Md. Raihan Kabir, Industrial Police Unit-4 Chief Md. Asaduzzaman, District Police Superintendent Mohammad Mizanur Rahman Munshi, and BKMEA Vice President Morshed Sarwar Sohel.
Mobassir Srabon/MHK/NMA