Home Affairs Advisor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has urged people to avoid smoking in public as a sign of respect for those who are fasting during Ramadan. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of moderation throughout the holy month.
He made these remarks while speaking to reporters after inspecting police public order management in Mirpur 14, Dhaka, on Sunday (March 2) afternoon. During the visit, he checked the canteens and kitchens of various police messes and inquired about the quality of food provided to police personnel. He also interacted with several constables, asking them about their meals, salaries, and family situations.
Addressing the recent attack on two women in Mohammadpur and the rising incidents of public disorder, the advisor stated that, based on available information, the incident involved two women who were smoking in public before going to pray. Some local individuals confronted them, and tea was thrown at them. He reminded that public smoking is prohibited for both men and women and is considered a legal offense. He urged everyone to comply with this rule and refrain from smoking outside, especially during Ramadan, emphasizing that even the religious advisor has requested people to avoid eating in public to show respect for those fasting.
Regarding the gas crisis in the Police Lines, where officers are struggling to cook due to a lack of supply, the advisor acknowledged the issue. He noted that while a gas connection exists, there is currently no flow. He immediately contacted the Energy Advisor about the problem and expressed hope that the gas supply would be restored by the next day.
He also called on traders to keep commodity prices stable during Ramadan, pointing out that while prices drop during religious events in other communities, they tend to rise in Bangladesh due to syndicates. He urged traders not to exploit the situation by increasing prices.
When questioned about the absence of market monitoring campaigns against price hikes—such as the mobile court operations conducted by executive magistrates, RAB, and law enforcement agencies in previous years—the advisor responded that, despite the lack of such campaigns, prices are relatively lower this year compared to the previous year. He suggested that if market stability is being maintained without enforcement measures, it is a positive outcome.
