The Bangladesh Army, after receiving magisterial powers to help maintain law and order, arrested 2,500 individuals and seized over 6,000 illegal weapons in ongoing operations.

Colonel Intekhab Haider Khan, Colonel Staff of the Military Operations Directorate at Army Headquarters, provided the update in a press briefing held at the headquarters on Wednesday.

Since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, the Bangladesh Army has seized over 6,000 illegal firearms, nearly 200,000 rounds of ammunition, and a large quantity of yaba and other illegal drugs in efforts to maintain law and order, he said.

He also revealed that over 2,500 individuals connected to illegal arms and ammunition and more than 700 individuals involved in drug trafficking have been detained so far.

Intekhab Haider Khan said that, in collaboration with the interim government, relevant ministries, law enforcement agencies, local administrations, various organizations, media, and the public, the army is actively working in 62 districts to maintain discipline.

"The army has been deployed to assist law enforcement in stabilizing the situation," he said, adding that in addition to seizing weapons and arresting offenders, the army has played a significant role in calming unrest in the country's industrial zones.

According to the officer, the army intervened in over 600 instances of unrest in industrial areas, coordinating with the Ministry of Labor, the BGMEA, and other stakeholders to keep factories operational. As a result, nearly all of the country’s 2,089 garment factories are currently running smoothly.

He further said that the army has responded to over 700 cases of unrest nationwide, including 141 incidents in educational institutions, 86 in government offices, 98 related to political conflicts, and 388 other types of disturbances.

Highlighting the army’s role in seizing illegal drugs, apprehending drug traders, and arresting individuals involved in criminal and subversive activities, he said the army remains vigilant against these threats.

The army has also been actively providing medical care to those injured in anti-discrimination student movements. So far, 3,295 individuals have received treatment at Combined Military Hospitals (CMH) across the country, with 43 still under treatment.

In response to a question on human rights, Intekhab Haider Khan emphasized that the army is highly conscious of preventing human rights violations or extrajudicial killings. "The highest leadership has given clear instructions to ensure that extrajudicial killings do not occur in any situation," he added.

BDST: 1730 HRS, NOV 13, 2024
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