Illegal arms entering country ahead of polls: Home Adviser

Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Adviser to the Ministry of Home Affairs, has acknowledged that illegal arms are entering the country through the borders ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary elections.

“I won’t say that only two or three weapons are coming in, but weapons are entering, and some are being seized. One or two are being caught every day,” he said.

He made the remarks on Monday (December 29) during an event marking Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Day 2025 at the BGB headquarters in Pilkhana, Dhaka, responding to journalists’ questions.

Asked specifically whether illegal weapons are being smuggled in targeting the upcoming election, the Home Affairs Adviser reiterated, “Weapons are coming in, and seizures are being made. One or two are caught daily. No leniency is being given anywhere.”

Regarding conflicting claims over the arrest of suspects in the Hadi murder case—Meghalaya Police saying no arrests have been made, while Dhaka Metropolitan Police claiming otherwise—he said, “The DB issued a statement last night. You can read it to know the details.”

He added that the Home Ministry is taking all necessary preparations for the national elections, with nearly 35,000 BGB personnel to be deployed during the polls.

On the recent explosion at a madrasa in Keraniganj, he said, “The perpetrator is at large, but an accomplice has been arrested. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the main suspect.”

Asked whether such bomb attacks could affect a free and fair election, he said, “Fascist elements will always try to create obstacles, but with your cooperation, the elections will be fair and festive.”

Responding to concerns about election security, he concluded, “There is currently no reason to fear any disruption in the elections.”