‘Special alert’ issued across the country for the next 11 days

Although the political activities of the Awami League are banned, the party’s leaders and activists are ‘active in disguise’ at home and abroad. Fearing that they may secretly come together and plan violence or attacks, the law enforcement agencies have issued a ‘special alert’ across the country for the next 11 days. The Special Branch (SB) of the police fears that an attempt may be made to create anarchy in the country 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, cause chaos or vandalize government and private establishments during this time. In this context, the SB sent a special alert to various police units of the country on Monday (July 28). Letters have been sent to the DMP Commissioner, City SB, Divisional Deputy Police Commissioner, Special Police Superintendent of Chittagong and Khulna, and all district police superintendents of the country. It is mentioned 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 that during this period, 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 individuals and vehicles, strengthen security in government and private establishments, and intensify cyber intelligence activities. A special operation has been ordered from July 29 to August 8. During this period, searches of all suspicious vehicles including private motorcycles, microbuses, surveillance around bus terminals, launch piers, railway stations, and airports, and mobile patrols have been increased. 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. They 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 that Awami League’s allies are trying to destabilize the country. They will be suppressed with strict hands. Action will be taken against those who are involved in plans to destabilize the situation at home and abroad.