Strict action will be taken if members of the security forces become involved in political agendas.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has issued a strict warning to law enforcement agencies to maintain complete neutrality while performing duties during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum.

He said, “If any member of the Coast Guard or other law enforcement agencies is found to be involved with any individual, political party, or political agenda, departmental action along with strict legal measures will be taken against the concerned member.”

The warning was delivered on Tuesday morning while speaking as the chief guest at the Bangladesh Coast Guard Medal Award Ceremony held at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka.

The Home Affairs Adviser emphasized that the government will not show the slightest leniency regarding the neutrality of Coast Guard members during the election and referendum.

Referring to the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum scheduled for February 12, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that nearly 900,000 members of law enforcement agencies have been deployed across the country to ensure a free, fair, peaceful, and neutral election. Among them, 3,585 members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard are on duty. As part of the deployment, 100 platoons have already been stationed in various districts of the Barishal, Chattogram, and Khulna divisions.

Reiterating his warning, he said any involvement with political individuals or agendas would result in strict disciplinary and legal action.

Highlighting the contributions of the Coast Guard, the Home Affairs Adviser praised their role in ensuring security in coastal areas and inland waterways, preventing illegal fishing, and combating arms and drug trafficking, human trafficking, robbery, and piracy. He also acknowledged their regular patrols and successful rescue operations of distressed vessels and sailors.

Commending the Coast Guard’s role in disaster management, he said their efforts in cyclone and flood preparedness, rescue operations, relief distribution, distribution of winter clothing and life jackets, and managing the Rohingya crisis are highly commendable.

At the ceremony, 40 Coast Guard members were awarded medals for their outstanding service. Senior Secretary of the Ministry Nasimul Ghani, Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Md. Ziaul Haque, and other senior officials were present at the event.