The Bangladesh Army does not support any political party and only acts to ensure public safety, a senior official said at a press briefing held Thursday at the Dhaka Cantonment.
Colonel Md Shafiqul Islam from the Military Operations Directorate said the Army’s intervention during the Awami League attack on a National Citizen Party (NCP) rally in Gopalganj was solely to protect lives, as many NCP members were under serious threat.
He dismissed allegations that the Army’s response indicated political favoritism or human rights violations, stating, “Our only objective was to prevent loss of life.”
Responding to questions about whether the Army would continue providing security support to NCP events, Shafiqul Islam said the Army acts impartially and steps in only when there is a threat to public safety.
An internal investigation is ongoing to determine whether lethal weapons were used during the Gopalganj incident. Earlier, Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed that firearms were used as the situation warranted.
On reports that Major Sadik is allegedly training members of the banned Awami League, Colonel Shafiqul said the officer is now in custody and under investigation. If the allegations are substantiated, he will face disciplinary action under military regulations.
Shafiqul also revealed that since the Army was granted magistracy powers last year, it has detained 5,576 individuals in connection with drug abuse and extortion cases, underscoring the Army’s role in curbing rising crime rates.
Regarding the withdrawal of an Army camp in Bandarban, he clarified that temporary bases are being operated as needed and that counter-insurgency operations in the area are still ongoing.
LND/SAE
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