Home Affairs Adviser Lt. General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced on Monday that the government has taken a decision to withdraw all lethal weapons from regular police forces. Speaking at a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Law and Order held at the Ministry of Home Affairs conference room, he clarified that lethal weapons will henceforth be entrusted only to members of the Armed Police Battalion, whose operational responsibilities differ from those of the regular police.

He explained that the decision was part of a broader reform initiative aimed at enhancing public safety and ensuring more proportionate use of force by law enforcement agencies. The policy move reflects a growing concern over the use of deadly force by police in recent years, and signals a new direction in the government’s approach to internal security and policing standards.

Addressing the same event, the adviser also spoke about the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), the country’s elite anti-crime and counter-terrorism force. He revealed that steps are being taken to restructure the organization. A committee has already been formed to oversee this process, with the goal of making RAB more accountable, efficient, and consistent with contemporary standards of law enforcement. The restructuring initiative is expected to involve reassessments of operational mandates, organizational frameworks, and oversight mechanisms.

In addition to law enforcement reforms, the adviser addressed labor-related issues, particularly in the garment sector, which employs millions across the country. He stated that all garment factories must ensure payment of workers’ wages and bonuses before the Eid holidays. While recognizing the importance of meeting legitimate worker demands, he warned that any illegal or unjustified demands would not be tolerated. The government, he said, will take firm action in cases of unlawful labor unrest or disruptive activity.

Turning to seasonal concerns, the adviser also highlighted preventive measures to curb extortion and unlawful toll collection in cattle markets set up for Eid-ul-Azha. He announced that each market must deploy at least 100 members of the Ansar force to prevent criminal activity and ensure orderly operations. This move aims to curb the widespread issue of forced toll collection and other irregularities that often plague cattle markets during the Eid season.

Regarding travel during the holiday period, the adviser assured the public that the government is committed to ensuring safe and smooth transportation. Specific directives have been issued to prevent harassment and extortion of travelers on highways and at transport hubs. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to maintain a visible presence and to act promptly on any complaints of misconduct or illegal toll collection.

The series of announcements mark a significant shift in both the operational outlook and the strategic priorities of the government concerning law enforcement, labor rights, and public safety. With Eid approaching, the focus is also on preventing exploitation of seasonal markets and ensuring labor compliance while maintaining peace and order.