No Legitimacy in Using ‘Mobs’ to Undermine Liberation War, Bangladesh Army States

NN ONLINE:

The Bangladesh Army stated at a press conference that there is no scope to undermine the Liberation War or the dignity of freedom fighters through any form of “mob activity.” The briefing was held Monday afternoon at a military mess on Staff Road, north of Banani Rail Crossing in Dhaka. Staff Colonel Shafiqul Islam, from the Directorate of Military Operations, outlined the Army’s activities across the country over the past year for reporters.

Asked about ongoing “mob crimes,” the killings in Bogura, and attacks on freedom fighters including Bangabir Kader Siddique in Tangail, Shafiqul emphasized that improving or maintaining law and order is not solely the Army’s responsibility. He noted that, with magistracy powers, the Army can arrest and detain suspects and hand them over to authorities, but cannot deliver punishment. He urged all law-enforcement agencies to work together, saying the joint effort has already begun and, if sustained, could improve security in the coming days.

On attacks against freedom fighters, Shafiqul asserted that the country’s Liberation War was born from the sacrifice of those fighters, and that the Army holds freedom fighters in deep respect. He added that no “mob” or force can diminish the Liberation War’s legacy or the dignity of freedom fighters. The Army maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward “mob violence,” he said, and has acted swiftly to restore order wherever mobs have formed. He acknowledged that, in some cases, information from the field arrived slowly, leading to delays before Army intervention; in most situations, law-enforcement agencies arrive first, with the Army stepping in only upon formal request.

Regarding an incident involving a crowd outside freedom fighter Fazlur Rahman’s home, Shafiqul said troops responded immediately after the message was received and brought the situation under control. In response to questions about cyberbullying surrounding the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, he reiterated that the Army is not involved in the election process. He noted that propaganda attempts had no beneficial impact, and expressed optimism that the election would occur in a healthy and democratic environment.

When asked about the national election, Shafiqul said no formal instructions had been received yet, but the Army would fulfill any responsibilities assigned by the Election Commission with professionalism. On missing weapons, he reported that about 80 percent of the lost arms have been recovered, with efforts ongoing to recover the remainder promptly.

After the briefing, Brig Gen Md Monzur Hossain, newly appointed head of the Directorate of Military Operations, spoke informally with reporters.