The government has asked deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs) to remain alert about sabotage attempts and possible deterioration of law and order by groups with vested interest. The government has deployed law enforcement and intelligence agencies, including Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), sources in the home ministry said.
Talking to this correspondent, some DCs and SPs said they were apprehending that a section of political activists, Jamaat-Shibir supporters in particular, was trying to create anarchy in the name of movement of the 18-party alliance across the country.
“We have alerted law enforcement agencies in our respective areas to prevent any untoward incident during the proposed 60-hour strike,” a DC said.
“We have asked Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) to deploy one or two mobile courts in all upazila areas during the hartal for instant trial of those who will commit crimes in the name of movement,” he added.
The district officials said their family members have been sent to Dhaka and other safe places apprehending trouble.
State minister for home affairs Shamsul Haque Tuku told The Independent that the government has information that activists of the Jamaat-Shibir were trying to destabilise the country by carrying out sabotage in the name of movement after Friday’s speech by BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.
“Activists of the Awami League and its wings have also been alerted to tackle any situation,” the state minister said.
The junior minister hoped that law enforcement agencies will do everything to protect life and property.
Sources said the government has deployed a large number of forces in some vulnerable areas, including Dhaka, Chittagong, Narayanganj, Bogra, Satkhira, Teknaf and Patuakhali, leaving other places insecure.
-With The Independent input
