United News of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Army, in coordinated operations with other law enforcement agencies, has arrested 2,457 people allegedly involved in various criminal activities during drives carried out across the country over the past two months. Besides,  320 illegal firearms and 564 rounds of ammunition were recovered during the joint drives during the period since March 17 to April 17. Colonel Md Shafiqul Islam, Colonel Staff of the Military Operations Directorate at Army Headquarters, shared the information at a briefing at the Banani Officers' Mess in Dhaka Cantonment on Thursday. During the briefing, he said that a total of 7,822 people have been arrested during the joint drive from different parts of the country since August 5 last year. The arrestees included members of juvenile gangs, listed criminals, drug dealers, abductors, smugglers, fraudsters, extortionists, robbers, and muggers. Besides,  a total of 9,370 illegal weapons and 285,052 rounds of ammunition have also been seized during the period. Highlighting the army’s efforts in upholding law and order, Colonel Shafiqul said the force managed 232 different types of unrest during the two-month period. These included 37 incidents related to educational institutions, 24 linked to government offices and agencies, 76 due to political conflicts, and 95 other incidents of varying nature. DMP’s Tejgaon Division returns 251 lost, stolen mobile phones to owners Replying to a reporter’s question, he noted that the army is fulfilling its assigned duties to maintain law and order as per government directives. “When roads and highways across the country, including in the capital, are blocked, it negatively impacts every sector of the economy. In such cases, the army works jointly with other forces to clear blockades in the shortest possible time,” he said. In addition to security duties, the army has arranged treatment at various Combined Military Hospitals (CMHs) for 4,340 individuals injured during last year’s anti-discrimination student protests. Among them, 43 are still under treatment. To ensure security in industrial zones, the army has handled 137 risky situations and cleared 31 blockades on major roads. On April 9, while quelling unrest at Robin Tex Garments in Narayanganj, 24 army personnel were injured by brickbats thrown by some workers. Twenty of them received treatment at CMH for varying durations, he said. The army also played a critical role in responding promptly to recent fire incidents in Chattogram, Savar, Uttar Badda, Mirpur, Banani, Bhashantek, Gazipur, Patuakhali, and Bagerhat, working in coordination with the Fire Service and other agencies to contain the flames and minimize losses. Besides these efforts, the Bangladesh Army continues to ensure communal harmony, safeguard foreign diplomats and embassies, maintain peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and provide security in the FDMN camp areas in Cox’s Bazar, he added.

Members of Bangladesh Army arrested 280 accused, including the listed ones, from several parts of the country after conducting drives from March 20 to 26. A media release sent from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said this on Friday. The arrestees include extortionists, fugitives, robbers, kidnappers, producers of adulterated food, members of teen gangs, accused in the July murder cases, and drug traffickers. The seizures include 10 illegal firearms, 143 rounds of various types of ammunition, improvised explosive devices (cocktail bombs), locally and foreign-made weapons, drugs and narcotics, stolen passports, mobile phones, tablets, and SIM cards, gold jewelry, according to the ISPR. 3 cops detained over abduction of 2 businessmen in Shariatpur Vehicles used for criminal operations, including trawlers, motorcycles, trucks, dredgers, excavators, and dumpers were seized. Moreover, a large amount of money in cash was recovered. The arrestees were handed over to the respective police stations for further investigation and legal proceedings. Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the army personnel are conducting operations to ensure smooth traffic movement in the country. People have been urged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest army camp to maintain law and order.

The celebration of the great Independence and National Day-2025 started at dawn on Wednesday with a 31-gun salute. An artillery regiment of the Bangladesh Army stationed at the Old Airport (Tejgaon) area in Dhaka fired six guns, marking the 31-gun salute in honor of the martyrs of the great Liberation War, according to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Home adviser pays tributes at Razarbagh Police Memorial As in previous years, Independence and National Day was celebrated with the utmost respect, enthusiasm, and fervor, it said.

Bangladesh and the United States have discussed "potential acquisition" of US-origin equipment to enhance interoperability and capabilities. Lt Gen Joel P Vowell, Deputy Commanding General, US Army Pacific, visited Bangladesh om March 24 – 25, said the US Embassy in Dhaka.  During his visit, Lt Gen Vowell met counterparts in the armed forces of Bangladesh, reinforcing the US Army’s commitment to a strong relationship with the Bangladesh Army while highlighting shared security interests and ongoing collaboration.  Committed to working together to make both nations "safer, stronger": US to Bangladesh This includes recognition of the Bangladesh Army’s ongoing support to domestic security, particularly in light of other demands such as disaster response; dialogue on Bangladesh’s primary military challenges and potential areas where the US can provide support; discussion of Exercise TIGER LIGHTNING in Summer ’25 and appreciation for the professionalism of the Bangladesh military and the importance of professional military forces in ensuring regional stability.

Bangladesh Army has strongly refuted a report published by India Today over an "emergency meeting" of army over a possible coup against Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus calling it "false and fabricated." It has come to the attention of the Bangladesh Army that India Today has once again published a report based on false and fabricated information regarding a routine meeting held by the Bangladesh Army, said a statement of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate on Tuesday. The article titled "Bangladesh Army Holds Emergency Meeting Amid Possibility of Coup Against Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus," published on March 25 is a glaring example of journalistic malpractice and the decline of a once-reputed news outlet into a purveyor of disinformation, it said. The report, which lacks credible sources or any verifiable evidence, seems to be yet another attempt to spread baseless rumours about the Bangladesh Army, it added. “The information presented in the article is entirely unfounded, and the claims of an "impending coup" are entirely deceitful. It is deeply troubling that India Today continues to publish sensationalist narratives without due diligence or a responsible commitment to journalistic integrity, said the ISPR. Tarique warns of conspiracy to pit army against people Claiming India Today’s repeated efforts to spread false information, the statement said, “This is not the first time India Today has resorted to spreading false information about the Bangladesh Army. A similar pattern of misleading and factually incorrect story was exposed and debunked in a rejoinder we issued on March 11.” The fact that such false narratives continue to be propagated is a concerning reflection of the editorial practices at India Today, which appear to have shifted from reporting facts to generating sensationalism at the cost of truth, the statement said. The statement also mentioned that the Bangladesh Army remains steadfast in its commitment to the service of the nation and will continue to uphold the principles of democracy and peace. “We call on all media outlets, including India Today, to engage in responsible journalism and refrain from publishing unfounded and harmful claims that only serve to create unnecessary divisions and mistrust between people of these two great nations,” it added.

The Bangladesh Army has said that it did not have any direct communication or request from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the comments made by UN High Commissioner Volker Turk in his interview with BBC HARDtalk, according to the Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR). In a press release issued on Monday, ISPR said Bangladesh Army finds it necessary to clarify certain aspects of Turk’s statement to ensure accuracy and transparency. In an interview with the BBC programme HardTalk on Wednesday, Volker Türk said the Bangladesh army was warned about possible removal from peacekeeping operations for engaging in any repression during the July-August Uprising. “The remark by Volker Turk taken out of context by certain quarters, it appears to misrepresent the role of the Bangladesh Army and potentially undermines its reputation, sacrifice and professionalism,” said the ISPR release. “If any such concerns were raised, they were conveyed to the then government of Bangladesh and not directly to the Army leadership,” it said.  The Bangladesh Army operates within the framework of national security directives and adheres strictly to the rule of law and human rights principles, it added. It said Bangladesh Army remains committed to people, upholding its legacy of neutrality and integrity. “Historical events such as the democratic transition of 1991 reaffirm this dedication. During the July-August 2024 protests, the Army once again stood by people, ensuring public safety without bias or external influence.” Army Camp Commander withdrawn over Touhidur’s death: ISPR As the second-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping, Bangladesh is globally recognised for its professionalism and dedication, it added. ISPR said peacekeepers receive a tiny portion of foreign earnings, the majority-around Tk 27,000 crore over 23 years-has significantly contributed to national economic growth.  The Bangladesh Army deeply values its partnership with the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and remains steadfast in its commitment to serving both the people of Bangladesh and the global community, it said. Bangladeshi peacekeepers in Congo are safe: ISPR “Any concerns regarding its role can be best addressed through open dialogue and constructive engagement,” the release added.  

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Tuesday said his only desire is to return to the cantonment after ensuring the country’s stability. “I have no other ambition, my only desire is that I want to return to the cantonment after making the country and the nation stable,” he said at an event at Raowa Club in the capital, marking the National Army Martyrs Day. About the election, he said, "I believe we are moving towards polls. As many times as I talked to Dr Yunus he completely agreed that there should be a free, fair and inclusive election, and the election should be held within December or close to that which I earlier mentioned as within 18 months.” Emphasising the need for unity, he said, "At the end of the day, we must prioritise the country and the nation instead of engaging in conflicts. If you resort to mudslinging among yourselves, the independence and sovereignty of the country and the nation will be at stake. I am issuing a warning—you cannot say later that I did not caution you. “ "We are going through a chaotic situation, and criminals are taking advantage of it," he said. “There are some reasons behind the deterioration in the law-and-order situation. One is: If we are busy fighting; it’s a suitable situation for criminals. They know it well if they do the crimes this time they will be able to easily escape. If we remain united then it will be possible to face these in a united way,” he said. Action to be taken against negligence by law enforcers, warns Home Adviser The army chief said that along with some controversial actions in the past, law enforcement and intelligence agencies such as the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), and National Security Intelligence (NSI) have also contributed positively. "The reason the country remained stable for so many years is that members of the armed forces and civilians collectively kept these institutions effective. That is why we have had a stable environment for so long," he said. General Waker-Uz-Zaman said those involved in crimes must be held accountable. "Otherwise, such incidents will recur. However, we must ensure that our actions do not undermine these institutions," he cautioned. "Today, many police officers are hesitant to perform their duties because cases have been filed against them, and some are in jail. RAB, BGB, DGFI, and NSI are in a state of panic due to ongoing investigations into allegations of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings," he said. "Investigations must take place, and those responsible must be brought to justice, but this should be done in a way that does not weaken these agencies. If you think peace can be restored in the country by undermining these institutions, that will not happen," he added. Stressing that maintaining law and order is not solely the responsibility of the army, the army chief said, "There are 200,000 police personnel, along with BGB, RAB and Ansar-VDP. The army has only 30,000 troops. How can I fill this void with just 30,000 soldiers? Troops are deployed in rotation—one group goes to the cantonment while another takes their place. We are working tirelessly, but if reversing actions continue, peace and order will never be restored. This is something you must keep in mind," he said.

Chief Adviser’s Press Wing has categorically refuted a recent report published by the Indian newspaper Ananda Bazar Patrika regarding the Bangladesh Army. In a post on its verified Facebook page on Friday, the Press Wing said that the report contained misleading information and misrepresented facts about Bangladesh’s military. The post said that Indian media is employing techniques of what has become known as hybrid warfare to support the country’s long-time proxy, Sheikh Hasina, and to attempt to discredit the people and institutions of Bangladesh that in July and August brought her despotic rule to an end. Dr Yunus urges Meta to intensify efforts against misinformation, fake news “Hybrid war uses information operations – known as disinformation – to divide its targets both internally and from its natural friends and allies. A disinformation operation typically begins with an entirely fabricated story, with no evidence and views attributed to unnamed people, planted in a friendly or pliable media outlet. If it is sufficiently juicy, the made-up story will be picked up by other media and gain apparent credibility as it spreads. Eventually, people who are interested in what’s going on in the world but too busy to delve into the details may come to believe the story that began as nothing more than a glimmer in a propagandist’s eye. The disinformation operation has succeeded entirely when people who believe the malign fiction are moved to act against the propagandist’s adversary,” the post said. “In this case, the adversary is the people of Bangladesh and their desire to govern the affairs of their own sovereign country; the willing mouthpiece is Ananda Bazar. Its (your) story about the Bangladesh army has no more basis in reality than a Bollywood romcom. You must choose whether to practice journalism, based on collecting evidence of what is actually happening in the world, or to propagate malign fictions as part of a campaign to undermine the sovereignty and dignity of a friendly neighbor,” the Press Wing added. CA's Press Wing quashes rumours of ISI chief visiting Dhaka The Press Wing reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and maintaining an open dialogue with the media while stressing the importance of responsible journalism. Authorities in Bangladesh continue to monitor the dissemination of false or misleading information and have called for greater cooperation among regional media to prevent the spread of baseless narratives.

The Bangladesh Army has strongly protested a report published by Indian media outlet Anandabazar Online on December 27 terming it ‘misleading’ and ‘baseless’. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a press release on Saturday over the report headlined,“Urdite Bangali Gonohottar Rokter Chite! 53 bochor por Bangladeshe Firche Sei Porajito Pak Fouj.” “Contrary to the proper journalistic practice, the newspaper did not take any comment or explanation from the ISPR before publishing the report which raises question about the objectivity and credibility of the report,” said the release. Army is working to prevent sabotage at KPIs, ensure security: Army HQ The Bangladesh Army is steadfast in its principles of professionalism, impartiality and international cooperation, it said. As part of its regular activities, the Bangladesh Army maintains friendly relations with the armed forces of different countries and conducts various cooperative programmes including student exchange and training to enhance mutual understanding and skills, said the release. “There is no plan for any training team or delegation of the Pakistan Army to come to any cantonment in Bangladesh for training. This claim is baseless and not in line with reality,” it said. Besides, the Bangladesh Army procures the required ammunition from different countries based on its requirements, said ISPR. “Ill-informed opinions on sensitive defense issues are undesirable, uncalled for and offensive,” it added. ISPR trashes media reports that "Army Chief faced young officers' discontent in meeting" The Bangladesh Army is committed to transparency and dissemination of accurate information. It is humbly requested to verify information from reliable sources before publishing any report in the media, the release added.

Bangladesh Army are working along with the law enforcement agencies to prevent attacks and sabotage at important installations or Key Point Installations (KPIs) across the country and ensure their security. The issues are regularly reviewed with other law enforcement agencies, said Colonel-Staff of Military Operation Directorate under the Army Headquarters Colonel Intekhab Haider Khan while briefing reporters at the Banani Army Officers Mess-A of Dhaka Cantonment on Thursday noon regarding the activities of the army deployed under the campaign, In Aid to Civil Power. When his attention was drawn to Thursday's fire at the important installation like Bangladesh Secretariat , Colonel Intekhab said the incident just occurred, and they have not yet received detailed information in this regard. However, the army is working on the security of important establishments, he added. In response to another question, he said how long the army will serve in the field is a matter of the government's decision. The army is working to maintain law and order according to the government's decision. Therefore, the army’s withdrawal depends on the government's decision. He also said that the army has taken training to take pressure while maintaining law and order. However, the army is working in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to keep law and order, he added In response to another question regarding security risk in the Cox's Bazar area, Col Intekhab said, there is no threat to the sovereignty of the country of security at the moment. The army in the area has always on alert. If there ever is a security threat, the army is ready to take action accordingly. Moreover, the BGB and Coast Guard and the law enforcement agencies are working on the Rohingya infiltration. Army, BGB deployed outside Bangladesh Secretariat after fire, gates closed When asked about the arson attack on Tripura community in Bandarban district, he said the incident occurred due to a land dispute and no other reason. Though incidents related to law and order has occurred there has been no deterioration. In this regard, the army is continuing to work in coordination with the police and others to keep the law and order situation tolerable. Earlier in a written statement, Col Intekhab said that members of Bangladesh Army have recovered  28 illegal fire arms and 424 rounds of ammunition conducting drives across the country in the past one month since November 28. During the period, the army played an active role in controlling 67 unstable situations and 13 main road blockades arising from such situations in various industrial areas of the country (mainly in Gazipur, Ashulia and Savar areas). In addition, they (army members) have been working to keep the factories running in coordination with all concerned, including the police, BGMEA, the owners, workers and the concerned ministries. As a result, all but one of the country's 2,093 garment factories are currently operational, he added. Apart from the industrial area, the army members have also controlled 45 different types of disorderly situations in the last one month. Of which five were related to educational institutions, three to government organisations/offices, seven were political conflicts and 30 were other types of incidents. In addition, on December 19, the army members provided direct assistance to the police in the attempted robbery at Rupali Bank in Keraniganj, which made it possible to quickly bring the incident under control without any incident. Besides, 200 suspected drug dealers or people associated with drugs have been arrested in joint operations along with recovery of a good amount of illegal drugs, such as Yaba, Phensedyl, illegal liquor, etc. Around 1,405 people involved in various types of crimes were also arrested from different parts of the country during the joint drives. 26 arrested in Army's special anti-crime operation in Dhaka city The army personnel worked with law enforcement agencies and religious leaders to ensure that the recently concluded Christmas celebrations of Christians across the country wre celebrated safely. A total of 4,241 churches across the country celebrated Christmas without any incidents, he said. In addition to these tasks, the army is also continuously performing its duties of maintaining communal harmony in the country, ensuring the security of foreign diplomats and embassies, maintaining peace and order in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and providing security to the FDMN camp area in Cox's Bazar district.