Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Security Advisor to the Ministry of Home Affairs, has firmly rejected rumours regarding his resignation. Speaking to reporters on Monday, 22 December, following a meeting of the Law and Order Advisory Council at the Secretariat, he stated, “If I had intended to resign, I would not be present here today.”
During the briefing, Lt Gen Chowdhury also provided updates on the investigation into the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in the July popular uprising. He revealed that authorities have yet to pinpoint the whereabouts of the primary perpetrator. “Had we known his location, he would have been apprehended by now,” he said. However, in connection with the case, Faisal’s immediate family members—his father, mother, wife, and brother-in-law—along with the motorcycle driver involved, have been arrested. Additionally, several members of the intermediary network linked to the crime have been detained in border regions.
On the progress of Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2, the Security Advisor noted that the campaign has led to the arrest of a significant number of terrorists and criminals, with a total of 6,998 apprehensions to date.
Addressing media security, Lt Gen Chowdhury confirmed that editors of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star have been assigned armed protection, and their residential security has been strengthened. Approximately 20 individuals considered at risk have received gunmen protection. He further assured that adequate security arrangements will be provided to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman upon his return to Bangladesh.
“The government is fully committed to ensuring justice for all individuals involved in the Sharif Osman Hadi murder case,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, Faisal Hasan, Deputy Chief Information Officer of the Ministry, reported that the 18th meeting of the Law and Order Advisory Council discussed comprehensive preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, updates on Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2, student union elections at Jagannath University (JAKSU), and law enforcement readiness for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The Council also reviewed nationwide law and order issues, including measures to counter violent and provocative cyber campaigns, theft, extortion, abuse of women and children, anti-narcotics operations, labour rights enforcement, industrial security, and law and order management in border, hill, and Rohingya camp areas. Optimism was expressed that the forthcoming JAKSU elections, following the peaceful conduct of previous student elections at DU, JU, RAJUK, and Chittagong University, would be safe, credible, and orderly.
Key Arrests and Security Measures
| Operation / Incident | Total Arrests / Actions Taken | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2 | 6,998 | Terrorists and criminals |
| Sharif Osman Hadi Murder Investigation | 6 (family members + driver) | Primary perpetrator still at large |
| Security for Media Personnel | ~20 gunmen assigned | Residential protection reinforced |
| BNP Acting Chairman Security | N/A | Protection assured upon return |
The Security Advisor concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order nationwide during the holiday season, elections, and ongoing security operations.