Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said the army was compelled to open fire in Gopalganj due to the prevailing situation on the ground at the time.
"The action had to be taken based on the situation at that moment," he told reporters after a meeting of the core committee on law and order and security forces at the Secretariat.
Jahangir Alam said that the emergency Section 144, imposed in the district following clashes between Awami League activists and law enforcement, would be lifted gradually.
Five people were killed and scores injured when activists of the Awami League and its banned student wing, Chhatra League, reportedly carried out attacks on an NCP rally in Gopalganj.
25 arrested over Gopalganj violence, crackdown to continue: Home Adviser
Later, the government imposed a curfew in the district in the wake of the violence.
Following the lifting of the curfew, Section 144 was enforced in the district.
But, this emergency measure will also be withdrawn gradually, the adviser said, adding, “Those who commit crimes will be arrested. I have said only one thing that no offender should go unpunished and no innocent person should be falsely accused.”
“I am not denying that the incident happened in Gopalganj. This is politics. In order to do politics, many things are needed at times... Previously, when we were involved in politics, many types of incidents occurred at the university. What matters is whether action is being taken afterward—we are taking steps where needed,” he added.
Those responsible for Gopalganj violence won’t be spared: Home Adviser
When asked whether any cases had been filed in connection with the deaths in Gopalganj, the adviser said, “Whether the police will file a case or not, a committee has been formed to decide that. There are no mass arrests in Gopalganj. Only those who have committed crimes are being arrested.”
Responding to a question about the “detention of nine children” in connection with the Gopalganj incident, the adviser said, "I have no such information."
Regarding Sunday’s hartal enforced by the banned organisation Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), he said, "Yes, a hartal was called by the Awami League. But was it really a hartal? Only two vehicles were reportedly burned. Acts of sabotage occurred. But during previous hartals, we saw far more violence. So we believe we've been able to reduce the level of sabotage."
Asked whether law enforcement agencies would be able to maintain order during the national election expected in February or April next year, the adviser said, "Why wouldn’t our forces be able to ensure a fair election? They are preparing well. We still have time. We are training them and we are getting ready. There will be no problem in holding the election.”