The law enforcement and intelligence agencies are fearing massive violence in over 30 districts in the country ahead of the International Crimes Tribunal verdicts to be delivered shortly against Jamaat-e-Islami leaders Ghulam Azam and Ali Ahsan Muhammad Mujahid.
An intelligence agency has already submitted a report to the Ministry of Home Affairs, suggesting that the government ensure tight security measures a day before the verdicts are pronounced.
Submitted last week with 22-point recommendations, the report has also suggested that the law enforcers remain alert and provide ministers, members of parliament, and other important persons with special security.
Jamaat leaders Ghulam Azam and Mujahid are accused of committing murder and crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh.
Responding to the intelligence report, CQK Mushtaq Ahmed, senior secretary of home ministry, on Monday has said it is known to all what Jamaat-Shibir activists can do.
“We have already taken measures to ensure security of people and important installations,” the secretary tells the Dhaka Tribune.
“The government will deploy additional members of law enforcement forces. Extra efforts will also be given in the districts where Jamaat-Shibir and their ally BNP are politically strong,” Mushtaq says.
According to the intelligence report, activists of Jamaat-Shibir and their ally may start vandalism and violence, including attacks on law enforcers and torching vehicles, from the previous night of the day scheduled for verdicts.
Apart from ensuring tight security measures in the key cities, the report has put emphasis on deploying additional forces up to union level in Kushtia, Jhenaidah and Chuadanga districts, marking the areas as Jamaat-Shibir belt.
Besides, the report has identified Rajshahi, Naogaon, Natore, Chapainawabganj, Dinajpur, Gaibandha, Nilphamari, Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Bogra, Sirajganj, Joypurhat, Brahmanbaria, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali, Comilla, Barishal, Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Jessore, Satkhira and Narsingdi as vulnerable.
The intelligence body has further suggested deployment of members of Border Guard Bangladesh and increase of intelligence movements at vulnerable spots.
