Home adviser orders Coast Guard to maintain neutrality during election

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has instructed members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard to maintain strict political neutrality and professionalism while on election duty, warning of severe consequences for any form of bias.

Speaking at a medal distribution ceremony at the Coast Guard headquarters in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar today (3 February), Jahangir said the force must play its role with honesty and integrity to ensure that the 13th general election and referendum, scheduled for 12 February, are conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

He said there is “no scope whatsoever” for Coast Guard personnel to engage with any political party, individual or agenda during the election period.

As state employees, the adviser added, their primary responsibility is to uphold the law, ensure public security and serve the public interest.

He warned that any member found supporting a candidate or implementing a party agenda will face strict departmental and legal action, with no leniency. Even minor displays of bias will not be tolerated, he added.

According to Jahangir, the credibility of the election will largely depend on the honesty, efficiency and professionalism of those deployed on duty. He also cautioned against unethical conduct, negligence or yielding to temptation, saying such actions will invite severe punishment.

Describing corruption as the “greatest enemy of the state,” he said it weakens institutions from within and erodes public trust. Pursuing personal gain or political benefit, he added, is not only illegal but also damaging to the foundations of the state.

The home adviser reminded personnel that the Bangladesh Coast Guard is funded by taxpayers and exists solely to ensure national security and public welfare.

On election security arrangements, he said around 3,585 Coast Guard members have been deployed alongside nearly 900,000 personnel from various law enforcement agencies.

He said some 100 Coast Guard platoons are currently operating across districts in the Barishal, Chattogram and Khulna divisions.

Jahangir also highlighted the government’s commitment to modernising the Coast Guard. He said procurement is underway for bulletproof high-speed boats and surveillance drones equipped with ground control stations.

Twelve surveillance drones donated by the Australian Border Force have already been inducted, he added.

Further development plans include the construction of a multi-role response vessel and two offshore patrol vessels with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), he said, adding that future initiatives will also involve the induction of helicopters, rescue drones and a coastal surveillance system.

The home adviser congratulated the medal recipients and expressed hope that Coast Guard personnel, guided by patriotism, will continue to serve the country with honesty and dedication to help build a peaceful, secure and prosperous Bangladesh.