Colonel Md Shafiqul Islam of the Military Operations Directorate has said stern action will be taken against any army personnel found to be involved in enforced disappearances, saying “no one will be spared.”
Speaking at a press briefing at Dhaka cantonment on Thursday afternoon, the staff colonel addressed growing concerns over enforced disappearances and the military’s role.
“When army personnel work under deputation, we do not have direct control over them. However, investigations are ongoing. If anyone is found involved in enforced disappearances, the army will take action,” he said.
The interim government formed a commission headed by retired Justice Mainul Islam Chowdhury in August last year to investigate the incidents of ‘enforced disappearances’ by the law enforcement agencies during the Awami League government.
Later, the commission report finds several intelligence agencies members' involvement in the case of enforced disappearance.
When asked at the briefing that some army personnel who were allegedly involved in enforced disappearances are still performing jobs in the Army, the Colonel Staff of the Army headquarters made these remarks.
Colonel Shafiqul also said that if anyone from the victim’s family who suffered enforced disappearance seeks assistance from the army regarding their safety, they will ensure it.
Shafiqul stressed that the army is actively working to create a stable situation in the country.
As part of these efforts, the joint drive operated by the Army, Police, Rab and other law enforcement agencies, has already recovered approximately 80% of the looted firearms, he added.
“About 12,000 arms were reported missing, and we have already recovered around 9,000 of them,” he added.
Addressing concerns over recent incidents of mob violence, Colonel Shafiqul reiterated the army’s firm stance. “The army is doing its best to control mobs,” he said.
When asked what kind of preparations the army has made ahead of the next general election, Colonel Shafiqul said, "We have not received any instructions from the Election Commission so far yet. We are ready to provide all kinds of assistance to hold a free, fair and impartial elections,"
Questions were also raised at the press conference about the mob attacks against the former chief election commissioner, KM Nurul Huda.
In response, Colonel Shafiqul said: "After this incident, we arrested one person the next day and handed him over to the police. If anyone gets bail after that, then the army has nothing to do,”
Addressing concerns over recent incidents of mob violence, Colonel Shafiqul reiterated the army’s firm stance. “The army is doing its best to control mobs,” he said.