No scope for mobs to undermine Liberation War: Director, MO

Colonel Staff Md Shafiqul Islam, Director of Military Operations briefing the press on Monday

Dhaka, Sept 8 – There is no scope to belittle any freedom fighter or the Liberation War by creating mobs. 

Colonel Staff Md Shafiqul Islam, Director of Military Operations, made the remark while replying to a reporter's question at a press briefing in Dhaka Cantonment on Monday afternoon. 

Colonel Shafiqul Islam emphasized that the country was born through the great Liberation War and that the army continues to hold deep respect for all freedom fighters. “As we have always respected our freedom fighters, we continue to do so today and will keep honoring them in the future." there is no scope to belittle the Liberation War or its veterans by creating mobs, he said.

Regarding the incident of mob creation in front of freedom fighter Fazlur Rahman's Segunbagicha residence, he stated, “As soon as the army received the message, concerned Army unit rushed to the location and brought the situation under control.” He added that the army is committed to maintaining order and the situation will improve further in the coming days. 

Col Shafiqul Islam also said that there is zero tolerance for mob violence. “Wherever and whenever mobs formed, the army responded quickly and controlled the situation. In a few instances where there was a delay, it was due to delays in receiving information from sources.” 

He clarified that law enforcement agencies are first deployed to any scene, and only upon request does the army intervene.

There is sometimes a time gap before the army receives the request and can deploy a patrol from the nearest camp. Any incident that occurs during that delay is not something the law enforcers can be held responsible for. 

Amid rising concerns over deteriorating law and order, including several recent killings and an attack on the residence of veteran politician Kader Siddique, the official reiterated that the army is working with patience and dedication. 

He said that maintaining law and order is not solely the army’s responsibility. The army does not have judiciary powers and cannot sentence anyone. Army could be arrested under magistracy power and handed over to law enforcement agencies. Coordination among all agencies is essential, and work is already underway in this regard, he added. 

In response to another question on inter-agency coordination, he explained that delays can occur when initial responding forces fail to control the situation and the army is informed too late. “In some cases, even the police are unaware of incidents as they occur. We are making efforts to improve the overall law and order situation,” he said. 

Asked about the gruesome incident in Rajbari where the body of Nurul Haque alias ‘Nural Pagla’ was taken and burned, and attacks occurred on a religious site, he said, “The army was informed about the incident quite late. As soon as the army was informed, troops were deployed and brought the situation under control after 11pm. Efforts are ongoing, in coordination with the police, to arrest those involved.” - UNB