Tighten grip on law and order
The interim government has directed the local administration to take a stronger stance in maintaining law and order while encouraging political unity ahead of the upcoming election.
It also decided to increase surveillance on flash processions and illegal gatherings.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. These directives followed a high-level meeting held at the chief adviser's residence, Jamuna, yesterday, which assessed the overall security situation in the country.
Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, provided the details during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy after the meeting.
He said strict instructions were issued to local authorities to become more active in addressing the rising incidents of unrest.
The government is also focused on restoring the political unity that existed among parties leading up to the July uprising. "Everyone has been urged to remain vigilant so that no new tensions arise in the lead-up to the election," he said.
The election will take place in the first half of February. No power on earth can stop this election.
This directive comes after a violent incident on Friday in Rajbari's Goalanda, where the darbar sharif of "Nural Pagla" was attacked, vandalised, and his body was exhumed and burnt.
The attack resulted in the death of one person and injuries to at least 22 others.
Alam confirmed that seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, including the person responsible for exhuming the body.
Among those arrested, two were affiliated with the Awami League's associate bodies, he said.
The briefing also highlighted the government's decision to increase surveillance on flash processions and illegal gatherings, said the press secretary.
Alam pointed out that "the fallen, defeated, fascist forces" are becoming desperate as the country moves towards the elections, especially with the ongoing trial of those responsible for the July massacre.
He called the situation a "national security issue" rather than just a law-and-order problem.
"The election will take place in the first half of February," Alam stated confidently when asked about the election timeline.
He reassured, "No power on earth can stop this election."
In light of the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations, the chief adviser has ordered robust security measures to prevent any instability. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has been tasked with holding meetings with various faith-based organisations to ensure the safety of all during this period, said the press secretary.
Meanwhile, Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury acknowledged a slight deterioration in the country's law and order situation following recent incidents.
"The situation was good, but based on the events of the last few days, I would say it has deteriorated slightly. We will do our best to restore it to its previous state."
Jahangir made the remark after inaugurating a police training programme aimed at enhancing police capabilities for election duties at Rajarbagh Police Lines in the capital yesterday.
When asked about the recent violence in Rajbari, he said an investigation was underway. "We will provide more details once the investigation report is available," he said.
When asked about the circulating threats on social media and the recent incidents in Rajbari and Hathazari, he denied any failure in preventing mob violence.
"We are not failing. The problem is that we have become very intolerant. Those who committed these acts will be brought up under the law. I urge everyone to be patient. There is a lack of patience these days," he said.
"If we lose patience, it will only escalate the situation further," he added.
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