Photo : Messenger
The country may witness an escalation of ongoing violence, particularly clandestine attacks, following the announcement of the schedule for the upcoming national election, as foreseen by intelligence agencies. In the latest update, intelligence agencies have communicated this information to field-level law enforcement agencies, recommending the implementation of appropriate measures.
The schedule for the 12th national elections is expected to be announced next week. Several like-minded parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, have been enforcing nationwide blockade programmes since October 29 to demand the resignation of the current government.
Although the parties involved in the blockade are not actively operating at the field level, incidents of setting vehicles on fire are occurring secretly in connection with the anti-government events. In addition to arresting party leaders, law enforcement agencies are also apprehending those instructing arson attacks.
Biplab Kumar Sarkar, Joint Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), told the Daily Messenger, “We are aware of this matter, and we are working accordingly. We have a zero-tolerance policy for saboteurs and have taken several steps.”
According to reliable sources, intelligence agencies had anticipated sabotage centred around the BNP's grand rally on October 28, and law enforcement agencies made extensive preparations accordingly. Even during these preparations, BNP activists engaged in conflicts, resulting in riots and the killing of a policeman. Since October 29, the BNP and like-minded parties have been holding programmes like hartal and blockade, while sabotage incidents are occurring one after another in connection with these political programmes.
Officials of the intelligence agencies said that the Election Commission will announce the schedule for the national elections shortly. After the announcement of the schedule, there are reports that there may be more attempts at sabotage to disrupt the election. Law enforcement forces have already been instructed to remain alert and prepared in this regard.
Officials also mentioned that covert sabotage associated with the current programme is predicted to increase after the schedule is announced. Even if they cannot take to the streets in an organised manner, the opposition parties will secretly escalate sabotage to destabilise the government.
It is learned that from October 28 to November 6, more than 200 vehicles were set on fire across the country, including the capital.
The senior officer of the fire service (media) said that most cars were set on fire in Dhaka. The incidents of arson attacks mostly take place clandestinely from the evening to 10 pm. Again, fire incidents are happening between dawn and 10 am in the morning.
DMP Deputy Police Commissioner Farooq Ahmed said, “Since October 28, Dhaka Metropolitan Police have arrested about 1,600 individuals on charges of sabotage. At this time, 89 cases have been filed, and the arrest operation of the accused in the cases is continuing.”
Meanwhile, a source from the DMP informed that more stringent security measures are being implemented in the capital due to concerns raised by intelligence agencies. Those involved in the acts of sabotage have already been identified and arrested after a thorough review of CCTV footage. Over the past two days, several leaders of Chhatra Dal, the student wing of BNP, who were involved in acts of sabotage, have been apprehended. Arrest operations are being conducted against central leaders and others involved in the killing of policeman, the attack on the residence of the Chief Justice, and the acts of vandalism and arson that were initiated during BNP's grand rally on October 28. In the current situation, bus drivers and helpers have been advised to take photos of passengers boarding public transport.
DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman convened a meeting with fuel pump owners and instructed them not to sell open or loose oil. Additionally, he announced a reward of Tk 20,000 for information leading to the capture of the saboteurs.
"We have apprehended many individuals who have been involved in setting fire to vehicles, hurling petrol bombs, engaging in violence, and committing vandalism in various locations. Many of them were turned over to the police by local residents," said the DMP Commissioner during the meeting.
He also noted, "The DMP is always actively working to ensure the safety of the capital, Dhaka. The police force operates day and night, conducting searches at every petrol pump at least once during the night. Police activities during political events and blockades are also highly visible. Police officers are working both in uniform and plain clothes. Our intelligence activities are ongoing."
"Dhaka is a large city with a significant population. While some incidents have occurred, the police have successfully prevented many others. Numerous individuals have been arrested and brought to justice, some of them apprehended red-handed. We will also offer cash rewards to those who cooperate with us in making such red-handed arrests," added the DMP Commissioner.
He further emphasised, "Our primary objective at this point is to ensure the continued safety of the city in the days ahead. Political party events are currently underway, which is a natural occurrence in a democratic state, as everyone has their own political views. However, it is essential to prevent acts of arson and the throwing of petrol bombs in the name of political programmes. As responsible individuals and conscious citizens, those in the transportation sector need to remain vigilant to prevent such incidents."
Messenger/Disha
