Corruption remains Bangladesh’s biggest challenge, and the country can only progress once it is eradicated, according to Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.
He made these remarks while speaking to the media on Monday after attending the 30th founding anniversary celebration of the Bangladesh Coast Guard and Coast Guard Day 2025.
Home Secretary Nasimul Ghani and other senior government officials were also present at the event.
Following his formal speech, the home advisor addressed questions from reporters.
“Corruption is widespread across all sectors. We must find ways to reduce it. If we can eliminate corruption, every sector will see progress. If we are involved in corruption, we must be prepared to expose it,” he stated.
When asked about the current government’s efforts to combat corruption, he noted, “Corruption has significantly decreased over the past six months. However, it has yet to reach an acceptable level. More work is needed to further reduce it.”
Border Security and Arakan Army Presence
Regarding concerns over the presence of the Arakan Army near Bangladesh’s borders, Chowdhury explained, “The area between Myanmar and Bangladesh is now under the control of the Arakan Army, not the Myanmar government.”
Despite these challenges, he assured that the Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are efficiently carrying out their duties. “Our entire border is under full control. There are no issues,” he added.
Rohingya and National ID Verification
On the issue of police verification for passports and concerns about Rohingya refugees obtaining national identity cards (NIDs), Chowdhury clarified, “We have long considered removing police verification to ease public suffering. Those with valid national ID cards will not require police verification. However, strict measures will be taken to prevent Rohingya refugees from acquiring NIDs.”
When asked whether some Rohingya had already obtained NIDs, he responded, “Those who have received them will be scrutinized. We do not yet have an exact figure.”
Handling Public Unrest and Mob Violence
Responding to questions about recent incidents at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair and a flower shop outside Dhaka, reportedly linked to the Touhidi Janata group, Chowdhury defended law enforcement’s response.
“We are capable of controlling all forms of mob activity. Various groups create different problems, and it is our duty to manage them. However, we must also examine why such groups are forming in the first place,” he said.
Calling for national unity, he urged, “We must prioritize our country’s interests over personal gains. Loving and working for our nation should be our collective responsibility.”
Action Against Corrupt Police Officials
When asked about a lack of action against corrupt police personnel, Chowdhury strongly defended the government’s stance.
“In our 53 years as a nation, has there ever been as much legal action taken against police officials as there is now?” he questioned.
He emphasized that disciplinary measures are being implemented wherever necessary but noted that investigations require time. “Some allegations are proven true, while others turn out to be politically motivated or baseless,” he added.
