Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said police officers who fail to return to duty will be classified as criminals and face legal consequences.
He said this during a press briefing on Tuesday after a meeting of the Law and Order Committee at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Speaking to the media, the adviser said: "Those who have not yet rejoined their positions will no longer be considered part of the police force. Instead, they will be treated as criminals."
He further added that recruitment efforts for new personnel across Ansar, police, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) units are already underway.
A recruitment notification for sub-inspectors is expected in the coming days, according to the adviser.
He also discussed police reform, clarifying that the ongoing reforms are being overseen by a separate committee. “The committee will submit its report, and reforms will be implemented based on their recommendations,” he said.
Regarding preparations for the upcoming Durga Puja, the adviser assured that measures are in place to ensure a safe celebration. “We have taken every possible step to prevent disruptions during Durga Puja,” he said, adding that the government is also focusing on improving the overall law and order situation across the country.
The meeting also addressed security concerns in industrial zones, particularly in Ashulia, as well as operations aimed at recovering illegal weapons and combating drug trafficking. Special attention is being given to safeguarding garment factories and religious sites, the adviser noted.
When asked about extending the Durga Puja holiday to three days, Jahangir said: “This issue does not fall under my jurisdiction, and I have not advocated for it.”
Discussing ongoing issues in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the adviser pointed out that some groups, like the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), have not surrendered their weapons despite the peace accord. In contrast, the JSS has laid down arms.
He acknowledged internal conflicts between these groups and emphasized the importance of ensuring peaceful coexistence in the region.
Additionally, the adviser highlighted efforts to prevent the influx of weapons and external training into the area, stating that measures are being taken to address these challenges.