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Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
The Bangladesh government has deployed army personnel in several key areas, including Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas, to maintain law and order ahead of the founding anniversary of the ousted Awami League.
The deployment will remain in force from June 22 to June 30 in Dhaka Metropolitan Area, Chattogram Metropolitan Area, Gazipur Metropolitan Area, Narayanganj district, Gopalganj district and Faridpur district.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued an urgent order on Monday approving the deployment following intelligence reports of possible unrest and violence. The order said banned organisations could attempt to create disorder through illegal processions, showdowns, road blockades and other activities in different parts of the country.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said army personnel had been deployed in six districts based on intelligence reports indicating possible subversive activities by the banned Awami League.
Speaking outside his office at the Secretariat on Monday, Salahuddin said the country’s law and order situation had not deteriorated and the government remained fully vigilant.
He said the current law and order situation was better than before. He also noted that holding meetings and rallies is a democratic right of opposition parties and helps strengthen democracy.
The minister added that security forces are strengthened whenever necessary, and the latest army deployment was made on the basis of intelligence information to prevent alleged disruptive activities by the banned Awami League.
Earlier, the Political-2 Wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs issued the official directive. It said there were concerns that banned organisations might try to create unrest and carry out sabotage through illegal processions, showdowns and other activities.
The letter said such actions could worsen the overall law and order situation and cause significant damage to life and property.
To maintain public order, ensure public safety and protect lives and property, the government ordered the deployment of the required number of army personnel under the “In Aid to Civil Power” framework in the specified areas.