Bangladesh Army says its operations led to decline in mob justice, extortion

The incidents of mob justice, extortion, theft and murder have come down across the country in the last 50 days from 28 December last year to 16 February this year compared to the previous two months due to the Bangladesh Army's operations, the armed force said today (17 February).

"…hotspots for crimes across the country have already been identified and those points are under 24/7 surveillance," Colonel Staff of Military Operations Directorate at the Army Headquarters Col Md Shafiqul Islam said this while briefing reporters at Dhaka Cantonment.

Providing statistics, Col Shafiqul Islam said incidents of extortion, which previously stood at 250, have now dropped to 110; theft cases, which numbered around 850, have fallen to below 600; and murders, which were over 350, have now reduced to 120.

Regarding the recent abduction of several workers in Lama, Bandarban, Colonel Shafiqul Islam confirmed that the army, in collaboration with the police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Ansar forces, is actively engaged in the rescue operation.

He said around 20 labourers had been abducted by an unidentified group, which is believed to have demanded ransom for their release.

In response to a question about the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), also known as the Bom Party, insurgents in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Colonel Shafiqul Islam stated that the army's patrols had effectively curbed their activities.

He revealed that two Kuki-Chin camps were destroyed in a recent operation and 11 families displaced by the insurgents were safely returned to their homes with the help of the army.

Operation against Kuki Chin is ongoing, he added.

When asked about the army's efforts to gain public trust, Colonel Shafiqul Islam stressed that the military always acts impartially and maintains a presence alongside the people. "We have always worked to earn the trust of the people by being neutral and supportive."

During the army-led joint force operations from December 28 last year to February 16 this year, their drives resulted in the seizure of 172 illegal firearms and 527 rounds of ammunition.

During the last one-month, joint operations led to the arrest of 334 drug dealers and people involved in narcotics trafficking.

A significant number of illegal drugs, including Yaba, Phensedyl and illicit alcohol, was also seized in the last month, he said and added that a total of 2,142 people linked to various crimes were also arrested during the last one month till February 16 this month.

In addition to its law enforcement operations, the army continues to maintain communal harmony, ensure the safety of foreign diplomats and embassies, uphold peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and secure the FDMN camp area in Cox's Bazar, he added.