Army apprehends 2,457 in two-month nationwide crackdown

The Bangladesh Army, in coordinated operations with other law enforcement agencies, has arrested 2,457 people allegedly involved in various criminal activities during drives carried out across the country over the past two months.

Besides, 320 illegal firearms and 564 rounds of ammunition were recovered during the joint drives during the period from 17 March to 17 April, said Colonel Staff of the Military Operations Directorate at the Army Headquarters Colonel Md Shafiqul Islam during a briefing at the Banani Officers' Mess in Dhaka Cantonment on Thursday.

During the briefing, he said a total of 7,822 people have been arrested during the joint drive from different parts of the country since 5 August last year. 

The arrestees included members of juvenile gangs, listed criminals, drug dealers, abductors, smugglers, fraudsters, extortionists, robbers, and muggers. 

Besides, a total of 9,370 illegal weapons and 285,052 rounds of ammunition have also been seized during the period.

Highlighting the army's efforts in upholding law and order, Colonel Shafiqul said the force managed 232 different types of unrest during the two-month period. 

These included 37 incidents related to educational institutions, 24 linked to government offices and agencies, 76 due to political conflicts, and 95 other incidents of varying nature.

Replying to a reporter's question, he noted that the army is fulfilling its assigned duties to maintain law and order as per government directives. 

"When roads and highways across the country, including in the capital, are blocked, it negatively impacts every sector of the economy. In such cases, the army works jointly with other forces to clear blockades in the shortest possible time," he said.

In addition to security duties, the army has arranged treatment at various Combined Military Hospitals (CMHs) for 4,340 individuals injured during last year's Anti-discrimination Student Movement protests. Among them, 43 are still under treatment.

To ensure security in industrial zones, the army has handled 137 risky situations and cleared 31 blockades on major roads. 

On 9 April, while quelling unrest at Robin Tex Garments in Narayanganj, 24 army personnel were injured by brickbats thrown by some workers. Twenty of them received treatment at CMH for varying durations, he said.

The army also played a critical role in responding promptly to recent fire incidents in Chattogram, Savar, Uttar Badda, Mirpur, Banani, Bhashantek, Gazipur, Patuakhali, and Bagerhat, working in coordination with the Fire Service and other agencies to contain the flames and minimize losses.

Besides these efforts, the Bangladesh Army continues to ensure communal harmony, safeguard foreign diplomats and embassies, maintain peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and provide security in the FDMN camp areas in Cox's Bazar, he added.