ISPR's statement over those sheltered in cantonments after August 5

Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) has issued a statement over the individuals who sought temporary refuge in military cantonments across the country following the fall of the Hasina-led government in the aftermath of the July–August 2024 mass uprising.

According to the statement issued on Wednesday, a total of 626 individuals – including political figures, judges, civil servants, police officers, and their families – were granted shelter "purely on humanitarian grounds as law and order deteriorated in the wake of the uprising."

According to the statement, in the face of widespread violence, arson, mob justice, and attacks on government institutions and political activists, many citizens feared for their lives. The military responded to requests for protection by prioritising the safety of individuals over verifying their identity.

Earlier on August 18, 2924, the ISPR submitted a list of 193 individuals to the home ministry. Yesterday's statement, however, includes a full and final list, now disclosing the names of all 626 individuals, including 432 rank-and-file police personnel and one NSI officer.

The sheltered individuals included 24 political figures, five judges, 19 civil administration officials, 515 police personnel, 12 individuals from other backgrounds, including public university officials and 51 accompanying family members (wives and children).

The list includes Awami League heavyweights Zunaid Ahmed Palak, former minister of state for posts, telecommunications and information technology, former speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, former deputy speaker Shamsul Haque Tuku and so on.