Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said the police need to remain firm and follow the law during the next general election amid pressure from different quarters.
"Since the election is approaching, various problems and pressures will arise. Everyone will become desperate. We (the police force) must remain firm in such situations and stay within the law," Yunus said on Monday, during a meeting with field-level police officers at his office.
The chief adviser added: "The government that will be elected must be a government of law. A government that comes by breaking the law can never uphold the law, as it has the habit of breaking it. Therefore, this opportunity must ensure that future governments respect the law. This responsibility lies with you (police), as the election will be conducted under your watch."
"Do not follow anyone's instructions blindly; stay within the boundaries of the law," he told the police force.
He also expressed his concern, saying: "Our only fear is that we should not lose our way again. The students have protected us, but we must ensure we do not return to the darkness."
Yunus said: "We must remember that we are in a state of war. Since August 8, we have forgotten that the war is ongoing. It is not over. We are in a continuous state of conflict, and we must emerge victorious from it.
"The defeated forces will try to create chaos and disturbances. The police force must be alert to such attempts."
He warned: "This situation will continue to intensify. If we remain cautious, it will not escalate further. New forms of misinformation will arise, intended to mislead, so stay alert."
The chief adviser also addressed the issue of police verification for passports, saying after the removal of police verification for passports, many began claiming that Rohingyas would receive passports.
"We clarified that the UNHCR holds the database of Rohingyas and through biometric checks, it will be evident if someone is a resident of the Rohingya camps. The passport authorities will make the decision and there is no need for police verification, as technology is assisting us."
He added: "In a few days, Starlink will be activated. Once operational, you will experience the speed of the internet, which has never been this fast before, bringing everything into the palm of your hand."
