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Source: ESPN
Army deployed in Dhaka, 5 other cities
Members of law enforcing agencies search the pedestrians as a part of ensuring foolproof security in the capital on Monday to avert any kind of untoward situation ahead
of the banned Awami League’s founding anniversary.
The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday announced the planned deployment of the army in six districts and metropolitan areas as authorities stepped up security, fearing a possible deterioration in the law-and-order situation during the observance of the banned Awami League’s founding anniversary today (June 23).
The ministry made a request to the Bangladesh army for the deployment.
It came a week after the complete withdrawal of the armed forces on June 15 –nearly two years after the armed forces were deployed nationwide in the wake of the July Uprising.
Citing intelligence reports, a ministry document said supporters of the former ruling party could attempt to create anarchy and disorder in parts of the country through unlawful marches, processions, and other programmes.
The ministry said the armed forces would assist the civil administration in Dhaka, Chattogram, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Gopalganj, and Habiganj from June 22 to June 30, if necessary.
“The army will be deployed to support the police,” Dr Ziauddin Ahmed, additional secretary of the Security and Political Division at the Ministry of Home Affairs, told the media.
“There are concerns that the outlawed Awami League may try to create disorder. If there is any such attempt, legal action will be taken,” he said.
Asked about the security arrangements, Ahmed said both the police and the military would patrol streets to prevent any untoward incidents.
“The army and the police will remain on alert tomorrow,” he said, adding that authorities have stepped up preparedness because “they (Awami League activists) have been issuing widespread threats on social media.”
The deployment comes amid concerns over possible unrest on the founding anniversary of the Awami League, whose political activities were banned after party leader Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power during the July–August 2024 mass uprising.
Hasina fled to India after weeks of anti-government protests when her security forces and party activists killed at least 1,400 people including over a hundred children.
The armed forces had been deployed for nearly two years to assist the civil administration in maintaining law and order following Hasina’s ouster.
