The government of Bangladesh is set to launch a special nationwide sweeping operation from Sunday, aimed at curbing rising crime and maintaining pre-election stability. The decision was announced by Lt. Gen. (Retd.)
Jahangir Alam Choudhury, Adviser on Home Affairs, following a meeting of the Law and Order Advisory Committee at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Dhaka.
Addressing the media, the adviser described the gruesome murder of scrap dealer Lal Chand alias Sohag near Mitford Hospital in Dhaka as “barbaric and unacceptable in any civilized society.” He confirmed that 7 out of 19 accused individuals have been arrested so far in connection with the case.
The incident, which occurred last Wednesday, saw the victim brutally beaten with stones and bricks, stripped, and subjected to inhumane treatment, reportedly by members associated with opposition political wings, including the Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal. Several of the accused have since been expelled from their respective organizations.
The adviser also stated that the government is preparing to move the case to a Speedy Trial Tribunal to ensure swift justice.
He added that law enforcement is also investigating whether there was any lapse in police response during the attack, particularly since no emergency calls were made to the national “999” hotline, and nearby Ansar members were not alerted.
Lt. Gen. Choudhury emphasized that no political identity will shield any perpetrator, reiterating that “the law is equal for all.”
He further noted that the rise in crimes such as murder, theft, extortion, drug trafficking, and violence against women has prompted the government to take stronger, targeted action. The upcoming sweeping operation will be conducted in addition to regular law enforcement activities.
As Bangladesh gears up for its next national election, scheduled before December 31, the adviser underlined that maintaining law and order during the pre-election period is a top priority, and the new operation is expected to play a crucial role in that effort.
