Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury yesterday dismissed allegations that law enforcers are only arresting grassroots-level political activists over the attacks and killings related to the July uprising, sparing influential figures.

"I cannot fully agree with that," he told reporters after a meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order at the Secretariat.

"We are not sparing any big fish. But they have to come into the net first. Whoever is caught, we are arresting. If someone enters the net and we let them go, then you can question us," he said.

Responding to complaints that police often refuse to file cases, Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, special assistant to the chief adviser for home affairs, acknowledged it as a long-standing issue.

"Steps are being taken to digitalise the system. We're launching online GD and FIR services in two districts initially. You'll get an official announcement soon. This will help solve the issue permanently," said Khuda Baksh, who was also present at the briefing.

Jahangir Alam added, "We're doing everything for the people, but there are still areas where we are falling short. We are identifying our mistakes and working on them."

Regarding changes to police uniforms and logos, he said the process had begun and was being carried out gradually due to cost concerns.

On this year's Pahela Baishakh celebrations, the home adviser said it was the first time the festival had seen participation from people of all religions and communities.

"With everyone's cooperation, the security forces did their job well. I thank law enforcement, media workers, and the public," he said.

Clarifying his recent remarks in Sunamganj, where he was quoted as saying people want the current government to stay for five more years, Jahangir Alam said, "I didn't say that. It was the people who said it. The chief adviser has already stated that elections will be held between December and June."

On the vandalism of a stage during Pahela Baishakh celebrations in Chattogram, he said, "That shouldn't have happened. We'll take steps to prevent such incidents in the future."