The Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) warned on Wednesday it will use the full force of the law to suppress recent violence, fear-mongering and provocative activity on social media, saying 44 people were arrested in the past 24 hours in connection with sabotage and unrest.
DMP Additional Commissioner (DB) Md Shafiqul Islam made the remarks at a press briefing at the DMP media centre on Mintu Road, describing a sustained surveillance operation to identify and prosecute those behind organised attempts to destabilise the capital.
“We have sought the cooperation of city residents. Strict action will be taken against those trying to create fear or instability under various guises. We will use the maximum power of the law to enforce it,” he said.
Shafiqul Islam told reporters that the DB is tracking provocative posts and accounts online and has opened separate cases against the arrested suspects.
He alleged that some instigators operate from abroad, orchestrating online disinformation campaigns and hiring people on the ground, including rickshaw pullers, to shout slogans for money and post staged videos to mislead the public.
“Some of those caught up in such schemes are innocent and unaware of the political implications,” he added, urging citizens to exercise social responsibility and not to amplify unverified content.
The DB official appealed to residents and the media to cooperate with law enforcement to counter misinformation and restore normalcy, stressing that those deliberately spreading fear in Dhaka will be identified and dealt with under existing laws.
Authorities did not disclose details of the arrested suspects or the specific charges pending further investigation.
