Home Adviser warns against internet shutdown during polls

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said that anyone who shuts down the internet on polling day of 13th National Parliamentary Election will be brought under the law.

He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists after a view-exchange meeting with administrative officials and law enforcement officers of various levels from Chattogram Division at city’s World Trade Center on Sunday noon.

“The internet will remain open during the election. If anyone attempts to shut it down during the election period, legal action will be taken against them,” he said.

Addressing journalists, Jahangir Alam said they play a crucial role in revealing the truth. “You are here to uncover the truth. If the truth is not revealed, people will not receive accurate information. That is why we want journalists to work independently and report honestly,” he said.

He added that such freedom did not exist during the previous government, when both mainstream and social media were controlled. “At that time, you could not ask questions as freely as you can now,” he said.

The Adviser also noted that preventing the spread of false information on social media, including Facebook, is not solely the government’s responsibility. “You also have a responsibility in this regard,” he told journalists.

He said the preparations of the administration and law enforcement agencies for the upcoming election are satisfactory. “Their preparations are quite good. If the process continues according to plan, the election will be fair and festive,” he added.

Among others, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md. Ziauddin, Deputy Commissioner Zahidul Islam Miah, Chattogram Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Md. Ahsan Habib Palash and other senior officials of the division were present at the event.

AH/SH