Situation brought under control within 48 hours: Army chief

The army has brought the situation under control within 48 hours after they were deployed to protect people's lives and properties on Friday midnight, said Chief of Army Staff General Wakar-uz-Zaman.

"The Air Force, police, and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have also played significant roles to bring the situation under control. It will take some time for the situation to return to normal. But joint efforts from public, media, and the law enforcement will take the country forward," he said yesterday during a press conference at the Hockey Stadium in the capital's Gulistan.

The army chief joined the conference after visiting areas in Jatrabari, which suffered vandalism and arson attacks during the quota reform protest.

He said, "The public is the primary victim of the destructions carried out in the past few days. The internet service is off and there are delays in waste removal. The signs of damage are still visible.

"I do not understand how these destructions benefitted anyone. I have visited many affected places and cannot explain the amount of loss these destructions have caused to the public. It is difficult to say when they will overcome this loss."

Police to ensure maximum punishment for attackers

Meanwhile, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman also visited the affected areas in Jatrabari.

In a separate press conference yesterday, the DMP commissioner said, "An anti-liberation clique has carried out destructions in various locations. To destroy the police, they attacked our offices and vehicles.

"Everyone connected to these destructions will be nabbed and brought to justice. Police will do everything to ensure their maximum punishment."

He said, "Police are trying their best to ensure safety of the public. Other law enforcement agencies are also working with us. We seek public's support to maintain a peaceful situation and they must report to us immediately whenever they identify a perpetrator."