Dhaka, Feb 17 (V7N) – The Bangladesh Army has identified several hotspots across the country, including in the capital, and has placed them under surveillance to maintain law and order, said Colonel Md Shafiqul Islam, Colonel Staff of the Military Operations Directorate.
Due to the army's ongoing operations, incidents of mob justice, extortion, and murder have significantly decreased, and the law-and-order situation is expected to improve further, he said at a press briefing organized by the army chief at the Banani Officers' Mess in Dhaka Cantonment on Monday.
In response to a question from journalists, Colonel Shafiqul Islam said: "If the government seeks assistance in controlling the market, the army will act accordingly."
Regarding allegations of robbery against an army member, he said that an investigation is underway and that those involved will be brought to justice.
"The army remains a symbol of public trust," he added.
On the recent kidnapping of 22 rubber plantation workers in Bandarban, Colonel Shafiqul said efforts are ongoing to rescue them.
"A group abducted them, and we are working to bring them back. Additionally, Kuki Chin insurgency activities have declined, and many of their camps have been dismantled," he said.
Recovery of weapons and ammunition
In a written statement, Colonel Shafiqul Islam said that in the past 51 days, the army recovered 172 illegal weapons and 527 rounds of ammunition as part of efforts to control law and order.
During this time, the army responded to 88 instances of unrest in different industrial areas, playing an active role in resolving road blockades and labour disputes.
"To keep factories running, we have coordinated efforts with factory owners, workers, relevant ministries, industrial police, BGMEA, and other stakeholders," he said.
Currently, out of 2,097 garment factories in the country, all but a few are operational.
Over the past month, the army has also handled 42 other disturbances, including 14 incidents related to educational institutions, three involving government organizations, nine political conflicts, and 16 other types of unrest.
To ensure public safety during New Year's Eve celebrations, the army coordinated security measures with law enforcement agencies, preventing any major incidents. It also provided full support to the fire service in controlling the January 17 fire at Phoenix Leather Complex in Hazaribagh.
Bishwa Ijtema security
For a smooth Bishwa Ijtema, the army installed five temporary bridges over the Turag River and deployed personnel, including a bomb disposal team, to handle any emergencies.
Urban renovation and anti-drug operations
The army is assisting the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) in urban renovation efforts, including anti-polythene operations and canal restoration.
Over the past month, 334 drug dealers or individuals linked to narcotics were arrested in joint operations, with significant quantities of illegal drugs seized.
2,142 arrests in one month
In total, the army has arrested 2,142 people involved in various crimes across the country over the past month. It is also actively maintaining communal harmony, ensuring the security of foreign diplomats and embassies, safeguarding peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and securing the FDMN (Rohingya) camp area in Cox's Bazar.
Treatment for injured protesters
The army has provided medical treatment to 3,859 people injured during the anti-discrimination student movement at various Combined Military Hospitals (CMH) across the country. Currently, 41 individuals remain under treatment.
Colonel Shafiqul Islam reiterated the army’s commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty, ensuring public safety, and maintaining stability.
"Following the army chief's directives, personnel in 62 districts are working in coordination with relevant ministries, law enforcement agencies, local administrations, various organizations, the media, and the general public to uphold law and order," he said.
END/MSS/AJ
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