Internet to Remain Active on Election Day: Home Adviser
Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said that internet services will remain operational on the polling day of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.
He made the statement on Sunday, February 1, while briefing journalists after an election-related law and order coordination meeting in Chattogram. The meeting was held at the World Trade Center in the city’s Agrabad area.
Home Secretary Nasimul Gani, Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md. Ziauddin, and Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah were present at the meeting.
Responding to a question regarding internet usage during the election, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said, “Our plan is to keep it (the internet) open. It will remain active. If anyone shuts down the internet, we will bring them under the purview of the law.”
He also claimed that the level of freedom currently visible on social media platforms, including Facebook, did not exist in previous times. “Everyone will be able to write freely and express their opinions. Earlier, even journalists were under control. They did not have the courage to ask questions directly in front of the home minister. That environment has now changed,” he said.
In response to another question, the home adviser commented on the issue of a level playing field, saying that it is a long-used term. “There are some words that are always used. Someone will say the field is level, someone will say it is not. But we are continuing our efforts. The election will be held on a level playing field,” he added.
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