Fear of anarchy in the next 11 days, SB's letter to SPs

Special Branch of Police

It has been almost a year since the Awami League was ousted from power in a student-public uprising after 15 years in power, but it has not yet returned to the political arena openly. Although the interim government has banned the party's political activities, the leaders and activists of the organization are active in disguise in the country and abroad. The law enforcement agencies have issued a special alert across the country, fearing that they may secretly gather and plan violence or attacks.

The Special Branch of the Police (SB) fears that an attempt may be made to create anarchy through organized online and offline campaigns centered around the period from July 29 to August 8. The law enforcement agencies also believe that some leaders and activists of the party may attack, disrupt or vandalize government and private establishments during this time.

In this context, the Special Branch of the Police sent a special warning to various police units in the country on Monday (July 28). The letter has been sent to all district police superintendents of the country, including the DMP commissioner, city SB, divisional deputy police commissioner, Chittagong and Khulna special police superintendents.

The letter mentions that anti-government political parties and anti-fascist social organizations have been holding various programs since July 1 to mark the anniversary of the historic July Uprising. In this context, the period from July 29 to August 8 has been identified as 'particularly important'.

The letter states, 'During this period, controversial fascist forces can create anarchy by conducting provocative campaigns online and offline across the country. In addition, there may be attempts to deteriorate the law and order situation by obstructing or creating provocations in anti-fascist programs.'

In such a situation, all units in the country have been instructed to monitor the political situation in their respective areas, monitor suspicious persons and vehicles, strengthen security in government and private establishments, and intensify cyber intelligence activities.

Special operations have been ordered to be conducted from July 29 to August 8. During this time, all suspicious vehicles including private motorcycles and microbuses have been searched, surveillance has been increased around bus terminals, launch piers, railway stations and airports, and mobile patrolling has been ordered. At the same time, there are also orders to strengthen arrest warrants, cyber patrolling and intelligence surveillance.

Police officials claim that some leaders of Awami League youth and student organizations have formed 'virtual squads' online, even though they are not in the field, who are working to spread social unrest by running Facebook, Telegram and YouTube-based channels.

Regarding these issues, Home Affairs Advisor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury recently told the media, 'Awami League's friends are trying to destabilize the country. There is a conspiracy to bring back money laundered from the country and create political anarchy. They will be suppressed with strict hands. Action will be taken against those who are involved in plans to destabilize the situation sitting at home and abroad.'