All ‘janata’ creating problems: Home Adviser

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that various "janata" are causing problems, but the government is effectively keeping them under control.

Responding to reporters' questions about the anarchy caused by mobs with the tagline ‘Tawhidi Janata’, he made the remarks after attending the 30th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Coast Guard in Agargaon on Monday (February 17).

The adviser emphasised the Coast Guard’s role in securing riverine and coastal areas and said they were handling challenges at the Myanmar border effectively.

"The Myanmar government has no control over the area bordering Bangladesh. This makes operations challenging for the Coast Guard and BGB, but they are successfully fulfilling their duties. Our coastal area is completely secure," he said.

Addressing concerns about the Arakan Army's activities near the Rakhine coast, he said, "There is no issue within our borders. Any incidents involving fishermen occur when they cross into Myanmar’s waters."

On the removal of police verification for passports and concerns over Rohingya obtaining Bangladeshi passports, he reassured: "Passports cannot be issued without a voter ID (NID). We are ensuring that Rohingya do not receive NIDs. Those who already have them will be verified."

Regarding mob violence at book fairs and flower shops, the adviser said: "All mobs are causing problems, but we are handling them—it is our responsibility. The media should also focus on which groups are instigating unrest and why. National interest must come before personal agendas."

On corruption, he admitted: "Corruption has gripped every sector. If we can reduce it, progress will follow. In the past six months, corruption has significantly declined compared to before, though it has not yet reached an acceptable level."