Tension and fears of chaos surrounding the month of August

Bangla Press Desk: There is an atmosphere of fear, underlying tension, and fear of anarchy surrounding the month of August. This eventful month marks one year since the change of power. Alongside the government, various anti-fascist groups are conducting and will continue various programs. Intelligence agencies themselves have expressed concerns that sabotage may occur during this period. There may even be incidents leading to casualties. Intelligence agencies believe there are risks of multi-pronged untoward incidents and anarchy—such as attacks on advisors’ convoys and political gatherings. Law enforcement agencies are taking extensive preventive preparations to stop these misdeeds. More than 20,000 law enforcement personnel are being kept on alert to deal with the situation. This information comes from the Special Branch (SB) of police. With advance intelligence reports from the government already going viral on social media, signs of social unrest are being seen in different parts of the country. From tea stalls to political leaders, many are speaking out about this growing fear. In this context, this reporter spoke to people from various walks of life yesterday.

They stated that due to fears of attacks and sabotage in August, there is an underlying panic among the public. However, law enforcement has taken significant measures to handle the situation. In particular, surveillance has been heightened at key state installations. Police, RAB, and other law enforcement members have been instructed to remain alert 24/7 at the field level. The Police Headquarters has issued special directives to SPs nationwide to control the situation. Yesterday, Tuesday, similar information was confirmed by the Police Headquarters, DMP, RAB HQ, and other intelligence sources. When contacted, Police Headquarters spokesperson AIG (Media & PR) Enamul Haque Sagar told Kaler Kantho, “Special operations are already underway to maintain law and order across the country. SPs have been alerted to prevent any sabotage and to maintain overall law and order.” According to intelligence sources, 20,000 members of law enforcement will remain on continuous alert in August. CCTV cameras and checkpoints will also be closely monitored by security forces.

Additional sources reveal that in the nearly 12 months since the interim government assumed responsibility, the desired improvement in the country’s law and order has not been achieved. Rather, the situation is deteriorating. As a result, the public is facing extreme hardship. Against this backdrop, fearing unrest during the anniversary of last year’s July uprising, the SB sent out a special alert on Monday, July 28, to various police units nationwide. A special letter was sent to DMP, City SB, divisional Deputy Police Commissioners, Special Superintendents of Chattogram and Khulna, and all district SPs, instructing them to remain on highest alert. Intelligence sources say that with August 5 approaching, various untoward incidents could occur at any time. A coordinated group is actively working to destabilize the country through sabotage. When asked, Joint Commissioner of DMP’s Detective Branch Mohammad Nasirul Islam told Kaler Kantho that they had received advance information of sabotage in August and are staying alert. Multiple DB teams are working to maintain law and order. Crime analysts say the law and order situation is steadily worsening. In such a case, if any major incident of sabotage occurs around August, law enforcement must bear the responsibility of controlling it.

Former IGP Muhammad Nurul Huda told Kaler Kantho, “It seems something will happen around August. But the duty of law enforcement is to control any anarchic situation and protect people’s lives and property. Special attention must be given so that no one gets killed.” Political leaders are also concerned. When asked, BNP Chairperson’s Security Advisor, retired Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar, said, “There could be security risks in August. People must be made aware to prevent chaos. It will damage the country’s stability. The Home Ministry should make sure that all law enforcement and other stakeholders help the government prevent any unrest. Also, all political parties must remain united. If chaos erupts, it will benefit neither the government nor the people.” What SB’s Report Says According to the report, from July 29 to August 8, attempts may be made to incite chaos through coordinated campaigns online and offline. The SB report also warns that large-scale sabotage could occur at any time over the next 11 days across the country. The SB letter states that to mark the anniversary of the historical July uprising, the government, political parties, and anti-fascist organizations have been organizing events since July 1. The period from July 29 to August 8 is particularly critical. It adds that during this time, fascist groups in exile may attempt to incite chaos nationwide through provocative campaigns both online and offline. Additionally, efforts may be made to obstruct anti-fascist programs and worsen the law and order situation.

In such a situation, all police units across the country have been instructed to monitor political developments in their respective areas, keep an eye on suspicious persons and vehicles, strengthen security at government and non-government installations, and intensify cyber intelligence operations. The letter also calls for special operations from July 29 to August 8. During this time, all suspicious vehicles, including private motorcycles and microbuses, should be searched; surveillance and patrols should be increased at bus terminals, launch terminals, train stations, and airports. Alongside, efforts should be made to execute arrest warrants, strengthen cyber patrolling and intelligence surveillance, and take steps to protect public and private property and lives. According to intelligence sources, many have already formed virtual squads online. An unscrupulous group is spreading unrest in society using Facebook, Telegram, and YouTube-based channels. Warning at Core Committee Meeting At a meeting of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Core Committee on Sunday, law enforcement was instructed to stay prepared. Instructions were also given to collect intelligence to prevent sabotage. Moreover, law enforcement at the field level across the country, including the capital, was told to coordinate efforts. Regarding the country’s current law and order, an official present at the core committee meeting told Kaler Kantho that attacks and sabotage are feared in August. Law enforcement was instructed to manage the situation and gather intelligence to detect any group trying to destabilize law and order. Incidents of arson and vandalism in Mirpur, Gazipur, Shariatpur, and Cox’s Bazar on Saturday night were also discussed at the meeting. Intelligence officials there said anarchic incidents may increase in August. Recently, Home Affairs Advisor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said to the media, “Certain groups are trying to destabilize the country. They will be dealt with firmly. Those conspiring from inside and outside the country will face action.” Sources reveal that recently, five people were killed, and several law enforcement personnel injured during an NCP rally in Gopalganj. Since then, law and order has deteriorated further. The Core Committee stated that law enforcement has been able to quickly arrest suspects in major incidents and bring them under the law. It was advised to brief the media about these actions. Intelligence sources state that during last year’s anti-discrimination movement in July–August, the country was in turmoil. During the student-public uprising, there were unprecedented incidents of attacks on 17 prisons and prisoner revolts. Weapons and ammunition were looted from both police stations and prisons. Many prisoners escaped during that time. A year later, 700 of those fugitives remain at large. Over 1,300 police weapons looted from stations have yet to be recovered. There are allegations that these weapons are now in the hands of criminals. This article was originally published on Daily Sun.

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