Dhaka: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday stated that the government remains unconcerned over the recent crude bomb blasts and arson attacks in the capital, suggesting that such incidents have occurred in the past. He assured that the perpetrators of these acts have been apprehended and those behind the arson attacks on buses are being identified through CCTV footage, as he addressed reporters at the Secretariat.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister mentioned that the government is aware of announcements made by what he described as the 'ousted fascist force', 'mafia force', and the banned political party Awami League, regarding a 'so-called' programme following a verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal. He noted that some bomb blasts occurred in the capital overnight, coinciding with what was termed a lockdown.
The minister reported that suspects involved in the crude bomb incidents, including those near the High Court gate and Jatrabari, have been arrested along with their motorcycles. He also noted that some buses, particularly those parked without drivers or helpers, were targeted by arsonists, with incidents being investigated through CCTV footage.
Ahmed downplayed the incidents, stating that the government is not overly concerned. When questioned about potential law-and-order challenges in the coming months, especially in light of messages from the ousted former prime minister and announced 'lockdown' programmes, he remarked that such lockdowns have not materialized visibly and that the nation is dismissing these efforts.
He criticized the Awami League, accusing it of historical atrocities without offering apologies or acknowledgments. Ahmed stated that the people would not politically accept the Awami League, dismissing its activities as irrelevant and expressing indifference towards their potential return.
Regarding the opposition's activities, including long marches, Salahuddin acknowledged the opposition's right to hold such events as part of democratic culture, assuring governmental support for peaceful conduct. He cited recent peaceful marches from Dhaka and Chattogram as examples.
The minister reiterated that upcoming elections would proceed based on democratic processes, allowing public opinion to decide political support. He attributed recent crude bomb attacks to the Awami League's reaction to the International Crimes Tribunal verdict, asserting no link to instability and noting the continuation of such activities over the past two years.
In addressing the opposition's demands related to fuel, gas, and electricity crises, Salahuddin confirmed that extensive discussions have already taken place in parliament.