Dhaka: The government today issued a strict directive to the local administrations to be more active in dealing with any untoward incident or chaotic situation, observing that defeated and fallen forces are trying to disrupt the democratic progress by destroying peace and order in the country. The directive was issued at a high-level meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the chair at the State Guest House Jamuna in the city.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting was held to review the law and order situation across the country, said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy here after the meeting. “Local administrations have been instructed to be more proactive in dealing with the incidents that are happening or the chaotic situation. No leniency would be shown toward those trying to create unrest for the sake of the country’s overall security,” he said.
The press secretary noted that the government believes it is essential for the people and all political parties to remain united in the interest of the country. Regarding the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections, Shafiqul Alam said the Chief Adviser directed the law enforcement agencies to extend all-out cooperation to the Dhaka University (DU) authorities to ensure a peaceful and festive atmosphere during the polls.
Defeated and cornered fascist forces are becoming increasingly desperate as the country moves toward elections and the trials of those involved in the July massacre are being expedited, Professor Yunus added. “This is not just a law and order issue; it is a matter of national security. They are out with all their strength to disrupt peace, stability, and the democratic progress of the nation,” the Chief Adviser emphasized.
The press secretary further highlighted Professor Yunus’s warning of possible conspiracies to create unrest during the upcoming Durga Puja. “Durga Puja was celebrated with a good law and order experience last year. Therefore, this year too, we must utilize that experience and take all necessary security measures in advance to avert any kind of chaos,” Shafiqul quoted the Chief Adviser.
The meeting also directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to hold meetings with all faith-based organizations in the country to maintain communal harmony, with plans for the Religious Affairs Adviser to meet these groups soon. Additionally, emphasis has been placed on strictly monitoring the law and order situation round the clock and increasing coordination between law and order forces.
Shafiqul Alam mentioned that the meeting stressed re-establishing the political unity formed after the July massacre and maintaining good relations between political parties. Everyone was instructed to remain vigilant to ensure that no security incidents occur anywhere during the election. Instructions were also given to intensify monitoring of sudden processions and illegal meetings and gatherings, with strict legal action against those responsible for such activities.
Deputy press secretaries to the Chief Adviser Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Apurba Jahangir were present at the briefing.