Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.) has directed that any form of subversive activity by miscreants or terrorists aimed at disrupting or influencing the 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum–2026 must be dealt with firmly and without compromise.

He issued the directive while speaking as the chief guest at a law and order coordination meeting held at the Barishal District Shilpakala Academy auditorium on Monday afternoon. The meeting was organised by the Barishal Divisional Administration to ensure the smooth, fair and peaceful conduct of the upcoming election. The meeting was chaired by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nasimul Ghani.

The Home Affairs Adviser said that accomplices of fascist forces, criminals and terrorists must be identified and arrested swiftly. He instructed law enforcement agencies to conduct intensive patrols during the four days prior to the election and to strengthen security operations in char areas and other remote locations through coordinated efforts among different forces. Special drives must also be conducted against terrorists, extortionists, drug traffickers and other criminals to bring them under the law, he added.

Highlighting the high expectations of the general public and political parties surrounding the election, the adviser said the greatest responsibility lies with election officials and members of the law enforcement agencies. He cautioned that even minor mistakes or deviations could damage the credibility of the election and the country’s image, urging all concerned to remain vigilant and alert.

Emphasising that there will be no compromise on law and order, he said public security must be ensured before, during and after polling day. The overall environment must be such that voters can cast their ballots freely in a festive and joyful atmosphere.

The adviser further stressed the importance of coordinated and integrated operations involving returning officers, assistant returning officers, the Election Commission, intelligence agencies, police, armed forces, RAB, BGB, Ansar and VDP, Coast Guard, judicial and mobile courts, as well as all levels of civil administration. He also directed district administrations to convene law and order core committee meetings frequently, warning that any gaps, negligence, deviations or lack of coordination would not be tolerated.

Among the special guests at the meeting were Inspector General of Police Baharul BPM, Director General of the Bangladesh Coast Guard Rear Admiral Md. Ziaul Haque, NDC, PSC, Director General of Ansar and VDP Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, PSC, and Director General of BGB Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, NDC, PSC. Barishal Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman delivered the welcome address.

Responding to journalists’ questions about security at high-risk polling centres, the Home Affairs Adviser said additional forces would be deployed at vulnerable and important centres. These centres will be equipped with body-worn cameras and CCTV surveillance, while drones and dog squads will also be deployed. In addition, the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC)-developed “Election Security App–2026” will be used, which had proven effective during the last Durga Puja. He warned that no one attempting any subversive activity would be spared.

In his remarks as chair, Senior Secretary Nasimul Ghani urged election officials and members of the law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties with integrity and strong moral character. He said all concerned must work together with determination and self-respect to overcome challenges and ensure a free, fair, neutral and festive election.

Senior officials from the civil administration, police, election offices, armed forces and law enforcement agencies across the Barishal division were present at the meeting.