Army deployed for 9 days in 6 dists

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The government has decided to deploy the Army across six districts to maintain law and order surrounding the founding anniversary of Awami League, whose activities are currently banned.

An official order to this effect has been issued, a home ministry official said, naming Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Faridpur, Gopalganj, and Chattogram as the areas chosen for initial deployment.

The troops will serve under the “In Aid to Civil Power” mandate for one week to keep the situation stable and support other law-enforcing agencies during the Awami League June 23 anniversary events.

Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs KM Yasir Arafat on Monday sent a formal letter to the principal staff officer of the Bangladesh Army requesting the deployment of army from June 22 to June 30.

The letter highlighted apprehensions that organisations with banned activities might stage unlawful processions, showdowns, and other programmes to orchestrate "sabotage and disorder".

Such actions could trigger a breakdown of public order and cause massive damage to life and property across multiple districts, it added.

In this context, the ministry sought deployment in the metropolitan areas of Dhaka, Chattogram, and Gazipur, alongside Narayanganj, Gopalganj, and Faridpur districts to ensure public safety and maintain order.

The prospect of unrest surrounding Awami League anniversary programmes has been a topic of discussion for several days.

Police Headquarters issued an urgent alert on Thursday, directing units nationwide to step up vigilance and strengthen security measures.

The advisory warned that party activists could attempt to raise flags at local offices and stage public processions carrying anniversary banners in different parts of the country.    �"bdnews24