Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said corruption is the country’s greatest enemy, warning that it not only causes economic damage but also erodes state institutions from within and destroys public trust.

He made the remarks on Tuesday morning while addressing the passing-out parade of the 63rd batch of female prison guards after completion of their basic training course at the parade ground of Kashimpur Central Jail in Gazipur.

The adviser said there is no possibility of elections being stalled or destabilised, adding that militant and terrorist elements active in the past fled the country after 5 August. 

He claimed those who supported such activities no longer have the courage to operate and are now making statements from abroad. 

Referring to them as fascist militants, he said many have taken shelter in different countries and urged the international community to cooperate by returning them to Bangladesh.

Highlighting the role of prison personnel, the home affairs adviser said if any member of the prison service becomes involved in corruption, personal gain or political interests, they not only violate the law but also weaken the foundations of the state. 

Prison officers, he added, are not protectors of vested interest groups but public servants paid by taxpayers to serve ordinary citizens.

Describing prisons as a sensitive and vital institution, he said the prison department is an integral part of the criminal justice system. Prisons ensure the safe custody of inmates through the judicial process and play a crucial role in crime prevention, offender rehabilitation and social reintegration.

In the current global context, he said prison administration must balance security and human rights, noting that protecting the fundamental human rights of inmates while reforming them into responsible citizens is a state responsibility. 

He emphasised that trained prison guards with a humane outlook are essential in ensuring fair treatment, equal access to facilities, non-discrimination and dignity for inmates, calling these not just legal obligations but reflections of the moral stance of the state.

Urging the newly trained guards to uphold patriotism, transparency, accountability and justice, he expressed hope that they would contribute effectively through honesty, efficiency and professionalism in building a fair and accountable prison administration.

Earlier, Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General Syed Md Motaher Hossain and senior officials welcomed the chief guest upon his arrival. The adviser received the armed salute and reviewed the parade, later witnessing displays of physical exercises and unarmed self-defence techniques by the trainees.

At the end of the ceremony, Mosammat Raihana Akter Suborna received an award as the best trainee, achieving top results in six categories including drill, firing, unarmed combat and written examinations.

Among others present at the event were Additional Inspector General of Prisons Colonel Mohammad Mostafa Kamal, Colonel Md Tanvir Hossain, Colonel Mesbahul Alam Seli, Colonel Md Jahangir Kabir, Commandant of the training centre Tipu Sultan, along with the Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and senior officials from various agencies.

The basic training course, which began on 14 September, was attended by a total of 866 male and female prison guards.