The Bangladesh Army has arrested 2,500 people and seized more than 6,000 illegal weapons as part of its ongoing efforts to restore order in the country.
This is happening as the army has been granted special powers to help maintain peace and security after recent unrest.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, November 13, Colonel Intekhab Haider Khan, a senior officer at the Army Headquarters, gave an update on the army`s operations since it was deployed across the country.
The military has been working alongside other law enforcement agencies to address lawlessness and ensure stability.
Since the army’s deployment, they have dealt with over 600 incidents of unrest in Bangladesh`s garment industry, which has allowed nearly 2,089 factories to remain open safely.
"During this time, the army has managed over 700 violent incidents — 141 of which involved educational institutions, 86 government offices, and 98 were politically related,” Colonel Intekhab explained.
The army was given additional powers on September 17 to help control the situation across 62 districts. These powers allow the military to make decisions and take actions typically reserved for local magistrates.
Since then, the army has been providing critical support to the interim government, led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, following the ouster of the previous administration under Sheikh Hasina.
The army`s efforts have included securing important infrastructure, helping the police restore order, and protecting both public and private property.
Additionally, the army has been actively recovering illegal firearms and ammunition, including weapons looted during earlier violence.
Colonel Intekhab also highlighted the army`s role during the Durga Puja festival, where they set up 133 extra camps and deployed over 10,000 soldiers to ensure the peaceful observance of the religious event.
The army`s operations are still ongoing in other troubled regions, such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Cox`s Bazar.
Colonel Intekhab assured reporters, "The government has deployed the army to assist the civil administration, and the decision to continue the deployment will rest with the government."
He also mentioned, “The law and order situation has improved, though some may feel progress is slower than expected. However, there has been no deterioration.”
