DHAKA, June 19 (V7N) – The Bangladesh Army today reiterated its unwavering commitment to maintaining overall law and order and safeguarding the country's sovereignty by standing firmly with its people. Colonel Md. Shafiqul Islam of the Military Operations Directorate (Staff Colonel) affirmed the army's dedication to ensuring the security and alleviating the suffering of the general populace.

Speaking at a press conference at Dhaka Cantonment, Colonel Shafiqul stated that, under the directions of the army chief, personnel are actively performing duties round-the-clock in 62 districts across the country, including the remote Char areas. These operations are conducted through coordinated efforts with relevant ministries of the interim government, law enforcement agencies, local administration, media, and the public.

In the current national situation, he emphasized that the Bangladesh Army is working relentlessly to protect the nation's sovereignty, secure the lives and property of citizens, and safeguard important state assets and installations, all while striving to maintain overall stability. He warned that the army would take strict action against activities that could cause damage to life and property, mob violence, and public suffering.

Responding to a journalist's question regarding the upcoming national elections, Colonel Shafiqul confirmed that the army has not yet received any official instructions from the government regarding electoral duties. However, he added that the army is prepared to perform its duties as per government directives when issued.

Highlighting the army's recent successes, Colonel Shafiqul stated that they have significantly reduced mob violence. He cited the army's timely presence in Rangpur as instrumental in bringing a mob violence situation under control.

During the recent Eid-ul-Azha festivities, army members patrolled important bus and launch terminals and railway stations round the clock to ensure smooth and safe travel. Check-posts were established at sensitive locations to control bus speeds. Colonel Shafiqul noted the inclusive nature of these operations, with female officers and soldiers actively performing duties without hesitation. He also shared that during the Eid journey, the army successfully returned Taka 3,526,233 to passengers who were overcharged by 1,255 vehicles, attributing this success to the sincerity, honesty, and hard work of army personnel. He also reported a reduction in casualties during this Eid journey compared to previous years.

Addressing a query about an isolated incident where a person selling the national flag was allegedly assaulted, Colonel Shafiqul described it as a "sad and isolated incident" during an international football match where security measures were in place. He added that the army later contacted the flag seller, expressed condolences, and provided Taka one lakh to support his business.

Regarding concerns about "push-ins" from the India-Myanmar border, Colonel Shafiqul stated that the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Coast Guard remain alert and vigilant, having increased patrols and established more permanent and temporary camps in border areas, along with enhanced intelligence surveillance.

In their ongoing anti-crime operations, Colonel Shafiqul reported that the army has recently arrested many top terrorists. Operational activities will continue to apprehend such individuals. Over the past three weeks, the army recovered 56 illegal weapons and 990 rounds of ammunition. Since August, a total of 9,667 illegal weapons and 286,754 rounds of ammunition have been recovered. In addition, the army has arrested 996 people involved in various types of crimes in the past three weeks, bringing the total number of arrests since August to 15,262. These arrests include juvenile gang members, listed criminals, robbers, and other offenders.

Colonel Shafiqul specifically mentioned significant arrests, including top-listed terrorist Subrata Bain alias Fateh Ali and his close associate Mullah Masud alias Abu Russell Masud from Kushtia district on May 27. Based on their information, two other associates, Arafat and Sharif, were arrested from Hatirjheel area, along with 5 sophisticated foreign pistols, 10 magazines, 53 rounds of ammunition, and 1 satellite phone. Subrata Bain and Mullah Masud are identified as leaders of the Seven Star terrorist group and among the 23 top-listed terrorists. On the same day, another special operation in the Mohammadpur area led to the arrest of notorious terrorist Farid Ahmed Babu alias Excel Babu and three others, who face multiple cases for murder, kidnapping, extortion, and land grabbing, bringing relief to local residents. On June 4, the army arrested listed terrorist Bunia Sohel and 10 associates from the Mohammadpur Geneva Camp area; Bunia Sohel alone has over 30 pending cases. These operations also resulted in the recovery of cash, various sharp locally made weapons, and drugs.

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