‘No fear over AL’s Dhaka lockdown’
Staff Reporter:
Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said the government has no apprehension over the Awami League’s (AL) reported “Dhaka lockdown” programme scheduled for 13 November, adding that the army will remain deployed across the country as usual.
“There is no apprehension over the Awami League programme,” he told reporters after a meeting of the Core Committee on law and order at the Home Ministry in the Bangladesh Secretariat.
Responding to a question about whether 50 per cent of army personnel would be withdrawn from field duties, the adviser dismissed such speculation.
“The army will not be withdrawn. They will remain in the field as usual,” he said, terming the reports of partial withdrawal “a rumour.”
Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam emphasised that the army continues to play a vital role in maintaining law and order, and there has been no decision to scale back their presence.
“No such decision has been made. The army remains deployed to assist in ensuring peace and stability,” he said.
Asked whether the government was concerned about the AL’s call for a “Dhaka lockdown” or “shutdown,” he replied.
“The government has no fear or concern over the matter. The activities of the Awami League remain banned, and the authorities are fully prepared to maintain order,’ he added.
Meanwhile, political circles have reported that Awami League supporters are trying to mobilise across different parts of the capital in support of the 13 November programme.
However, the Home Adviser reiterated that law enforcement agencies are on high alert and fully capable of handling any situation that might arise.
He also rejected circulating claims on social media suggesting instability or mass troop withdrawals, calling them “baseless” and intended to mislead the public.
The Home Adviser concluded by assuring the public that the government’s top priority remains maintaining peace and security nationwide.
“People have nothing to worry about. The law enforcement agencies, including the army, will continue their duties to ensure safety and stability throughout the country,” he said.
