Staff Correspondent:

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday said measures are being taken to prevent arms smuggling into the country ahead of the national election.

“All necessary steps will be taken to recover firearms – not only during the election, but at all times. Measures will be taken so that no arms can enter the country,” he told reporters after visiting the BADC Seed Building adjacent to Gabtoli bus terminal in the capital.

The adviser said arms recovery is a continuous process and expressed hope that all illegal weapons would be recovered before the polls.

On election preparations, Jahangir Alam said, “We are making the necessary preparations, and there will be no difficulties in holding the election in February.”

Responding to a question on border security, he noted, “You can see that our borders are fully secure and protected. Our people are also highly aware. Those living in the border belt are very conscious.”

Addressing propaganda on social media regarding the election – including claims that the Awami League will not participate under the interim government – the adviser said, “Now there is freedom of speech in the country. Earlier many things could not be published. Now everything can be expressed. So, everyone is free to say what they want.”

“It is the people who will ultimately decide. Once the people and political parties become election-oriented, you will see that nothing can obstruct the process. Since everyone is now focused on the election, there will be no difficulties in holding it,” he added.