In the past 50 days, the Army has played an active role in controlling 88 instances of unrest across various industrial areas of the country, including 30 occasions where main roads were blocked as a result of such situations.
Besides, over the past month, the military has managed 42 instances of various forms of disorder, which included disruptions at educational institutions, government offices, political conflicts and other incidents.
Col Md Shafiqul Islam, Colonel Staff of the Military Operations Directorate in Army Headquarter, presented statistics on the army's activities in the last 50 days at a press briefing held at Dhaka Cantonment on Monday.
Addressing the kidnapping of around 20 labourers in Lama, Bandarban, Col Shafiqul confirmed that joint operations involving the army, police, BGB and Ansar forces are underway to rescue the abducted workers. "The kidnappers have demanded money, and we are working tirelessly to ensure their safe return," he said.
The army has also been active in curbing violence by the Kuki-Chin group in the hilly regions. "Our patrolling has prevented their activities, and we recently destroyed two of their hideouts," the Army officer said. Additionally, 11 displaced Bom families were safely returned to their villages with army assistance.
From December 28 to February 16, the Army has seized 172 illegal weapons and 527 rounds of ammunition, controlled 88 unstable situations in industrial areas, including Gazipur, Ashulia and Savar, resolved 30 road blockades, ensuring the operation of 2,097 garment factories, except for a few, he said adding that they also managed 42 disorderly situations, including 14 in educational institutions, 3 in government offices, 9 political conflicts, and 16 other incidents.
He said, 334 drug dealers and people associated with drugs have been arrested in joint operations and a significant amount of illegal drugs such as Yaba, Phensedyl, and illegal alcohol have been recovered in the past one month. In total, 2,142 people involved in various crimes have been arrested in this period.
Regarding rumours on social media, Col Shafiqul noted that while everyone has the right to express opinions, the responsibility of evaluating their objectivity lies with journalists. "The Army does not suppress opinions but encourages responsible discourse," he added.
Col Shafiqul further said that in addition to maintaining law and order, the Army has so far provided treatment to 3,859 people at various CMHs in the country for the proper treatment of those injured during the anti-discrimination student movement, of which 41 are still undergoing treatment.
When asked about gaining public trust, Col Shafiqul reiterated the Army's commitment to neutrality. "The Army stands by the people and works to maintain their trust. We face no challenges in our operations and continue to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies to ensure law and order," he said.
