The magistracy powers granted to commissioned officers of the Bangladesh Army will greatly benefit the public, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. He made this statement on Wednesday following the closing parade of the 40th BCS (Ansar) Cadre Officers and the 25th Batch (Male) Recruit Sepoy Basic Training at the Bangladesh Ansar and VDP Academy in Safipur, Gazipur.
"The army has long been serving in the field, working closely with the people," said the adviser. "Granting them magistracy powers will help in maintaining law and order and enhance their public service capabilities, especially given the current shortage of law enforcement personnel."
The adviser highlighted the critical role the army plays in supporting civilian authorities, stressing that the decision comes as law enforcement agencies face significant manpower shortages. "The army is stepping in to address that gap," he added, reinforcing the importance of their expanded role.
When asked about the army's relationship with the public, the Home Affairs Adviser emphasized that the Bangladesh Army is a disciplined and people-friendly force, and that there should be no hesitation for the general public to seek assistance from them.
The Home Affairs Adviser emphasised a firm stance on police officers absent from duty between August 1 and September 17, 2024.
"Those who have not returned to duty will not be allowed back, and we are taking both disciplinary and legal actions against them," he said, clarifying that the number of absent police officers is small.
He added that most of these officers are involved in misconduct and urged for collective efforts to bring them to justice. Some 187 police officers remain absent from duty. The Bangladesh Police on Tuesday disclosed that 187 officers have been absent from duty between August 1 and September 17, 2024.
This includes one Deputy Inspector General (DIG), seven Additional Deputy Inspector Generals (ADIGs), two Superintendents of Police (SPs), and officers of various other ranks.
Of these absentees, 96 are on extended leave, 49 are absent without leave (AWOL), three have voluntarily resigned, and 39 are absent for other reasons.
The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party will be developed as skilled, organised, professional and timely forces, said Home Adviser Lt Gen (retired) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.
The Ansar members came forward in every emergency with deep patriotism starting from the emergence of Bangladesh to post-independence struggles, the Home Adviser said.
"Currently, the Ansar members are playing an important role in maintaining law and order and providing security at the important structures and diplomatic zones," he said.
After the fall of the 'autocratic government' following the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, the Ansar and Village Defence Party members have risked their lives to ensure security at the important structures including traffic points, police stations, and airports, he said.
"Especially, the Ansar Guard Battalion members ensured the security inside the DMP stations and at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport."
After the interim government was formed, the Ansar Guard Battalion have been performing their duties with courage at the State Guest House Jamuna amid a shortage of police, the Adviser said. He thanked every Ansar member for playing a brave role during the nation's need.
The adviser said that volunteer VDP members, who have spread across the villages, played a significant role in maintaining peace and discipline. In recent times, social security was hampered in the villages and the VDP members worked commendably to address it.
The Ansar members have acted as a shield to prevent those who wanted to spread 'communal hatred' by attacking the temples, and churches. They contributed to ensuring communal harmony among minorities, he said.
The adviser hoped that VDP members would organise as youth-based volunteers and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country in future.
