Anarchy alert: SB warns SPs to maintain order until Aug 8
Fearing potential violence or coordinated attacks, law enforcement agencies have issued a nationwide 'special alert' to curb any attempts at destabilisation until August 8 as the banned Awami League leaders and activists remain active, both domestically and abroad, often in disguise.
The Special Branch (SB) of the police has raised concerns that these groups may orchestrate anarchy through organised online and offline campaigns between July 29 and August 8.
There is also apprehension that some Awami League leaders and activists may target government and private establishments with attacks, disruptions, or vandalism during this period.
On July 28, the Special Branch issued a directive to heads of various police units, including the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner, City SB, Divisional Deputy Police Commissioners, Special Police Superintendents of Chattogram and Khulna, and all district Superintendents of Police (SPs) across the country.
The directive highlights the significance of the period from July 29 to August 8, coinciding with programmes organised by anti-government political parties and anti-fascist social organisations to commemorate the July 2024 Uprising.
It warns that controversial groups may exploit this period to incite unrest through provocative online and offline campaigns or disrupt anti-fascist events, potentially deteriorating law and order.
To counter these risks, police units have been instructed to closely monitor the political situation in their jurisdictions; track suspicious individuals and vehicles; enhance security at government and private establishments; and intensify cyber intelligence and patrolling efforts.
A special operation, effective from July 29 to August 8, includes heightened surveillance at bus terminals, launch piers, railway stations, and airports, as well as searches of suspicious vehicles, including private motorcycles and microbuses.
Mobile patrols, execution of arrest warrants, and strengthened intelligence surveillance have also been mandated.
Police sources indicate that some leaders of Awami League’s youth and student wings have formed virtual squads online, using platforms like Facebook, Telegram, and YouTube to spread social unrest, despite their reduced physical presence.
Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury recently told the media that Awami League allies are attempting to destabilise the country, including through efforts to repatriate laundered money and incite political anarchy.
He emphasised that such activities will be met with strict action, targeting individuals involved in destabilisation efforts both within Bangladesh and abroad.