Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed security agencies to ensure that law and order are maintained "at any cost" in the lead-up to the upcoming national election, amid growing concerns over political tensions, targeted violence, and attacks on media and cultural institutions.
The directive was issued at a high-level meeting on Monday at the state guest house Jamuna where the overall law-and-order situation was reviewed. Professor Yunus chaired the meeting.
Home Affairs Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman and top officials from police, intelligence, and other law enforcement agencies attended the meeting.
At the meeting, discussions focused on various security challenges, including the anticipated return of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, preparations for Christmas and New Year celebrations, and recent incidents of political and mob violence, according to officials.
The meeting also reviewed progress in the investigation into the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a July uprising activist and spokesperson for the Inqilab Manch, whose death has heightened political sensitivities in recent weeks.
Professor Yunus instructed the law enforcement agencies to expedite arrests and ensure that those responsible for the killing, as well as other unlawful activities, are swiftly brought to justice.
Police officials informed the chief adviser that at least 31 suspects had been identified through video footage in connection with recent attacks on the offices of two national daily newspapers and two cultural organisations. By Monday morning, coordinated operations across Dhaka and other parts of the country led to the arrest of six individuals.
The detainees were identified as Md Kashem Faruqi, Md Saidur Rahman, Rakib Hossain, Md Naim, Md Sohel Rana, and Md Shafiqul Islam. The police said that raids were ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects identified in the footage.
In a related development, authorities announced that three individuals had been identified through video evidence for attempting to create disorder near the residence of India's assistant high commissioner in Chattogram. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
During the meeting, the chief adviser emphasised that maintaining public order was essential for ensuring credible elections and warned against any attempt to destabilise the situation through violence or intimidation.
"Law enforcement agencies must act decisively and without delay," Yunus said, according to meeting participants.
The renewed focus on security comes amid rising public concerns over mob violence, attacks on journalists and cultural spaces, and doubts about the state's ability to assert authority during a politically sensitive period.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com
