Members of the paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to reinforce security in the wake of heightened threats of creating chaos in the country, State Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku has said.
he government deployed the border guards in the capital city on Tuesday night hours after Jamaat-e-Islami announced a nationwide general strike following a verdict sentencing its Assistant Secretary General Abdul Quader Molla to life in prison for his role during the War of Liberation in 1971.
Up to four people reportedly died in Chittagong during clashes on Tuesday.
On if the government deployed the border guards to help demoralised policemen because of the violent attacks by Jamaat-Shibir activists, Tuku would not give a direct reply. ”The law enforcing agencies are working together following the BGB deployment.”
“This is an effort to increase patrols which will heighten the presence of law enforcers (on the streets). Law enforcers have been working together to maintain order and protect the people’s lives and their property,” he told reporters in his office.
He said the measures came in the face of repeated threats to paralyse the country and wage a civil war by the Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir.
Asked if military troops would be deployed if the situation deteriorates further, Tuku said, “Existing deployment is enough to take care of the present situation. The people of the country are getting infuriated, they are helping the law enforcers.”
Tuku advised the law enforcers to stay cautious in using their weapons despite attacks by the “criminals”.
He warned the “criminals” saying everything has an end.
“Beware. It will not fare well for you (the criminals) if the law enforces’ patience runs out. They have been ordered exactly so.”bdnews24.com
