Published: July 4, 2025, 01:06 AM
The Bangladesh Army Headquarters has affirmed that strict action will be taken against any army personnel found guilty of involvement in enforced disappearances. The statement came during a press briefing on Thursday (3 July) at the Officers` Mess `A` in Dhaka Cantonment.
Colonel Md Shafiqul Islam, Colonel Staff of the Military Operations Directorate, acknowledged that some army personnel, while on deputation to various agencies, have been accused of such incidents. “Once deployed on deputation, these individuals no longer remain under direct army control,” he said, adding, “If investigations confirm their involvement, the army will take appropriate action.”
He also expressed the army’s willingness to support victims` families. “If anyone seeks assistance for their safety, we are ready to help in any way we can,” he said.
On the upcoming elections, Colonel Shafiqul noted that the army has not yet received instructions from the Election Commission. “However, if called upon, we are prepared to assist in ensuring a free and fair election,” he added.
Referring to last year’s looting of weapons from police stations following the fall of the previous government, he said approximately 80% of the stolen arms have been recovered. “We are hopeful that the remaining 20% will be retrieved before the polls,” he added.
He also addressed the rise in juvenile gang violence, revealing that the army has so far arrested over 400 gang members. “While we can’t be present everywhere at once, we are responding swiftly whenever we receive information,” he said.
Highlighting recent success in joint operations, Colonel Shafiqul reported that in the past two weeks alone, 26 illegal firearms and 100 rounds of ammunition were recovered. Since August, the army has recovered 9,692 weapons and arrested 15,646 individuals, including 562 involved in serious criminal activities.
