Instigators creating an unstable environment: Army

The army has stated that third parties or identified criminals are behind recent events, including the labor movements, student protests, and the killing of a lawyer in Chattogram. Efforts are underway to identify the instigators and bring them to justice for creating an unstable environment.

On Thursday (November 28), during a press briefing at the Banani Officers' Mess about the army's operations under the In Aid to Civil Power framework, Colonel Intekhab Haider Khan of the Military Operations Directorate made these comments.

He mentioned that since November 13, the army has arrested 1,328 people, including 228 drug dealers, in various unwanted incidents. Additionally, in the past two weeks, 24 firearms and 365 rounds of ammunition have been recovered. During the operations, 123 army personnel were injured, and one member was killed.

He also mentioned that the army is working to ensure peace among the hill communities of Chattogram. An operation against the Kuki-Chin group led to the arrest of 179 active members of the organization. During the operation, seven soldiers were killed.

Regarding the instigators of various events, Colonel Intekhab Haider Khan said, "We need to be more cautious about using social media. The instigators are very few in number. Many people who post on social media are not instigators; many post without understanding the full picture. Efforts are being made to identify the instigators. We are taking, and will continue to take, action against those who are intentionally causing these problems."

In response to a question about the army’s preparations to maintain law and order at the Chattogram court, the army officer said, "All law enforcement agencies were prepared. Therefore, an incident occurred, but it could have been much worse, and the situation could have deteriorated further."

Highlighting the army's role in controlling the student and labor movements, Colonel Intekhab Haider Khan said that three types of people have been identified in these movements. One group consists of identified criminals whose sole purpose is to commit crimes, and they are working deliberately. Another larger group comprises the general public, such as the garment workers involved in protests.

He added, "It was the students who brought about change through their movements. Therefore, we all hope that the country will move in a positive direction. However, a section of students is now participating in protests under the influence of others, without understanding the situation. In such cases, we have to be thoughtful in our approach."

Colonel Intekhab expressed hope, saying, "I hope that the students, workers, employees, and the general public will all think about where they want to see the country in the future. Everyone needs to understand their own responsibilities in this regard."