The Bangladesh Army has arrested 7,822 individuals across the country since its deployment under the interim government, as part of an ongoing effort to assist law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order.

Of them, 2,457 were detained in the last two months alone during joint drives with other agencies, said Col Shafiqul Islam, colonel staff at the Directorate of Military Operations, Army Headquarters, yesterday.

The detainees include members of juvenile gangs, listed criminals, drug dealers, smugglers, kidnappers, fraudsters, extortionists, robbers and muggers, he said.

He said this at a press briefing held at the Officers' Mess in Dhaka Cantonment, focusing on the army's activities over the past two months, from February 17 to April 17.

In the same period, the army recovered 320 illegal firearms and 564 rounds of ammunition. Since deployment, a total of 9,370 firearms and more than 2.85 lakh rounds of ammunition have been seized.

He said while the army performs duties under magistracy powers, it does not face political pressure. "Once an individual is arrested, they are handed over to other law enforcement agencies, and the army does not stay involved," he added.

The army said it has intervened in 137 tense situations in industrial zones and removed 31 road blockades. Nationwide, the army dealt with 232 incidents of unrest over the last two months. These included 76 political clashes, 37 incidents related to educational institutions, and 24 involving government offices.

Asked about the recent abduction of fishermen on the Naf River by the Arakan Army, he said the BGB and Coast Guard are handling the situation. "Some abducted fishermen were released on Wednesday, and many have already returned. Discussions are ongoing for the remaining ones.

"If it becomes a matter requiring further intervention, the army or navy will take over, and we hope this issue will be resolved soon."

Addressing concerns over the display of black flags during protests, he said, "Just because someone carries a black flag doesn't make them a militant. We've removed some individuals holding such flags, but there is no evidence to link them to militancy."

Commenting on the army chief's recent overseas visits, Col Shafiqul said these are part of routine military diplomacy.

The army also said it has identified the location of five Chittagong University students who were abducted fin Khagrachhari and special operations are underway to rescue them.