TL;DR:
- The Bangladesh Army will remain deployed as long as the government requires, supporting law enforcement and maintaining stability.
- The army has recovered 200,000 rounds of ammunition, detained over 2,500 individuals, and intervened in over 700 incidents of unrest.
- Soldiers have played a key role in disaster relief during recent floods, providing rescue operations, relief distribution, and infrastructure repair.
- The army has been granted executive magisterial powers to help restore law and order after political unrest earlier in 2024.
The Bangladesh Army will remain deployed in the field for as long as the government deems necessary, according to a statement made by Colonel Intekhab Haider Khan on November 13, 2024. Speaking at a press conference held at the army headquarters, Colonel Intekhab outlined the military’s ongoing role in supporting law enforcement agencies and maintaining stability across the country.
In his address, Colonel Intekhab emphasized that the army is currently engaged in protecting key public and private institutions, ensuring the safety of citizens, and assisting police forces in resuming normal operations. He noted that the army has so far recovered approximately 200,000 rounds of ammunition and detained over 2,500 individuals involved in various criminal activities. Furthermore, the military has intervened in over 700 incidents of disorder, including conflicts at educational institutions, government agencies, and political protests.
The military’s involvement extends beyond maintaining law and order. Colonel Intekhab highlighted the army’s role in mediating disputes in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, a crucial industry for Bangladesh’s economy. The army has been instrumental in ensuring that factories remain operational by addressing worker protests and safeguarding industrial areas.
Additionally, the army has played a critical role in disaster relief efforts. During severe flash floods in August and September 2024, which affected eastern and southeastern regions of Bangladesh, army personnel were deployed to rescue people, distribute relief materials, and provide emergency medical services. The army also worked to restore mobile connectivity, repair damaged infrastructure, and assist with post-flood rehabilitation efforts. Similar operations were carried out in October when floods hit four districts in the central-northern region of the country.
In response to questions about how long the army would remain deployed, Colonel Intekhab reiterated that this decision rests with the government. The military’s presence is part of broader efforts to stabilize the country following months of unrest triggered by political upheaval earlier in 2024. Following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August amid widespread protests, law enforcement agencies were left weakened, with many police officers abandoning their posts due to safety concerns.
To address these challenges, on September 17, 2024, the interim government granted executive magisterial powers to army officers ranked captain and above. This move enabled the military to take on more direct law enforcement responsibilities, including arresting individuals involved in criminal activities and dispersing unlawful gatherings. These powers have been exercised carefully to ensure fairness and have contributed significantly to restoring order across Bangladesh.
Colonel Intekhab also mentioned that as part of their humanitarian efforts, the army has provided medical treatment to over 3,000 individuals injured during various protests and movements. Of these patients, 43 remain under treatment at Combined Military Hospitals (CMHs) across the country.
As Bangladesh continues to recover from political instability and natural disasters, the role of the military remains crucial. However, as Colonel Intekhab stressed during his briefing, how long this role will continue depends entirely on decisions made by the government.
Source: TBS News
