Dhaka: Military Operations Directorate Colonel Staff Intekhab Haider Khan today announced that the Bangladesh Army is working relentlessly to maintain the law and order situation throughout the country. 'We've been working tirelessly to maintain overall law and order situation by preventing unwanted anarchy, maintaining communal harmony, and ensuring security of foreign diplomats and embassies,' he said at a press briefing on the army's activities on maintaining the country's law and order at Officers' Mess in Dhaka Cantonment. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the army is actively protecting key point installations and important public and private offices. They are ensuring that main streets remain open for traffic, recovering illegal arms and drugs, and arresting individuals linked to criminal activities and anarchy. Additionally, the Bangladesh Army is maintaining peace in the Chattogram Hill Tracts and securing the FDMN camp areas in Cox's Bazar district. The army's efforts extend to safeguardin g industrial zones to ensure uninterrupted operations of mills and factories. 'We want to help the interim government so that the government can run the state smoothly,' Colonel Intekhab added. From November 13 to the present, the army has recovered 24 illegal arms and 365 rounds of ammunition and played a significant role in resolving civil unrests and road blockades in industrial areas. The Bangladesh Army has addressed 63 disorderly situations related to political conflicts, educational institutions, and government offices. Over the same period, they arrested 1,328 individuals for various crimes, including 228 for drug-related offenses, recovering a significant quantity of narcotics in collaboration with law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, the army has been pivotal in ensuring the peaceful celebration of major religious and cultural festivals. Security was provided during the Rasmela and Nabanno festivals in Gopalganj, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, and Patuakhali from November 15 to 16 and November 20, as well as in Barishal from November 10 to 12. Special operations against the armed separatist group, the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), have been ongoing since April. So far, 179 KNF members or collaborators have been apprehended, and a significant arsenal of weapons and military equipment has been confiscated. The operations have not been without challenges, as seven soldiers were martyred and others injured in IED blasts and surprise attacks. The army is also providing medical assistance to civilians injured in anti-discrimination movements, with over 3,430 people treated at Combined Military Hospitals, and 35 still under care. Four critically injured individuals have been sent abroad for advanced treatment. During this period, 123 army personnel were injured, and one was killed in the line of duty. Despite these challenges, Colonel Intekhab reaffirmed the army's commitment to national safety and stability. The executive magistracy powers granted to officers of the rank of Captain and above have been extended for another 60 days from November 15, enabling the military to continue its efforts to maintain law and order effectively. Colonel Intekhab emphasized the army's dedication to safeguarding the nation and pledged continued service for peace and stability.
