Advisor to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, has acknowledged that lobbying is still an ongoing practice in the country. Speaking at a coordination meeting with officials of various government departments in Jessore on Tuesday afternoon, he noted that since his appointment as advisor, the number of people claiming to be his relatives and friends has increased significantly—even though he does not know most of them. He humorously added that if someone lobbies in his name, they should first be offered tea and snacks, and then handed over to law enforcement.

He further stated that under the current interim government, recruitment-related corruption in the police force has been halted and transfer-based lobbying has been curbed. He emphasized that police officers must operate visibly in the field and cannot make arrests while in plain clothes. Recovering weapons looted during public uprisings and monitoring top criminals currently out on bail were also highlighted as key responsibilities.

Warning against a return of flattery and favoritism within the police, he insisted such practices must be stopped. He called for stronger community policing to improve law and order. Describing drugs as a major threat, the advisor said a firm stance must be taken against narcotics. “If there’s no action against drugs, there will be no job,” he said, emphasizing prevention over rehabilitation.