Some 25,000 arrested across country under special drive
Saturday, 14 June 2008
Some 25,000 people, including political activists, have been arrested across the country on charges of various criminal activities since the special drive was launched on May 29 aiming to create a peaceful atmosphere for the upcoming general election, reports UNB.
The law enforcing agencies also netted 189 firearms, 129 bombs, around 50 cocktails and 550 bullets during the drive conducted by the army-led joint forces.
Political parties, including Awami League and BNP, alleged that the drive targeted their party leaders and workers at district and upazila level to thwart any anti-government agitation. They also called for an immediate halt to the drive and open politics for all before the general election.
When the political parties declared that they would start political activities at district and upazila level ahead of the general election due in December, the government launched the drive creating doubts among the politicians.
Many political leaders and activists in rural areas are on the run to avoid arrest.
However, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Noor Mohammad on various occasions said the special drive was not intended to harass or arrest politicians. Those arrested during the drive were held on specific charges or allegations.
He said illegal arms holders, listed criminals, extortionists and terrorists are the target of the drive and pointed to the recent incidents showing deterioration of law and order, causing worries among the people.
"I want to make it abundantly clear that improving the country's law and order situation and creating congenial atmosphere for the general election due in December is the only objective of the drive," the IGP told reporters at a briefing at the Police Headquarters on June 9.
A police headquarters handout said the law-enforcing agencies are arresting some 1,667 people on average each day under the ongoing drive.
"Usually, 1345 people are arrested everyday. The special drive makes the difference of around 300. It should not be identified as mass-arrest," it stated.
The month-long special drive will continue until end of June.
The law enforcing agencies also netted 189 firearms, 129 bombs, around 50 cocktails and 550 bullets during the drive conducted by the army-led joint forces.
Political parties, including Awami League and BNP, alleged that the drive targeted their party leaders and workers at district and upazila level to thwart any anti-government agitation. They also called for an immediate halt to the drive and open politics for all before the general election.
When the political parties declared that they would start political activities at district and upazila level ahead of the general election due in December, the government launched the drive creating doubts among the politicians.
Many political leaders and activists in rural areas are on the run to avoid arrest.
However, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Noor Mohammad on various occasions said the special drive was not intended to harass or arrest politicians. Those arrested during the drive were held on specific charges or allegations.
He said illegal arms holders, listed criminals, extortionists and terrorists are the target of the drive and pointed to the recent incidents showing deterioration of law and order, causing worries among the people.
"I want to make it abundantly clear that improving the country's law and order situation and creating congenial atmosphere for the general election due in December is the only objective of the drive," the IGP told reporters at a briefing at the Police Headquarters on June 9.
A police headquarters handout said the law-enforcing agencies are arresting some 1,667 people on average each day under the ongoing drive.
"Usually, 1345 people are arrested everyday. The special drive makes the difference of around 300. It should not be identified as mass-arrest," it stated.
The month-long special drive will continue until end of June.