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Sarabangla Special
DHAKA: Bangladesh Police and intelligence agencies are stepping up efforts to identify and arrest operatives allegedly linked to the Awami League who are suspected of involvement in sabotage and activities aimed at creating political and social unrest across the country.
According to law enforcement sources, the Awami League has allegedly drawn up plans for covert attacks and sabotage in an attempt to overcome its political isolation and regain public support.
The sources said specially trained operatives of the banned party and its affiliated organisations had been assigned specific responsibilities to carry out sabotage and create unrest at the grassroots level. However, the identities of a substantial number of these operatives have already been obtained by police cyber units and intelligence agencies.
Police have taken a firm stance to maintain law and order and prevent further sabotage, the sources said. Through coordinated operations involving the Police Headquarters, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and intelligence agencies, investigators have compiled lists of suspected operatives, alleged guerrilla cells and those believed to be coordinating their activities.
The lists reportedly include fugitive senior Awami League leaders, local-level party figures and suspected financiers. Several of them are already under intelligence surveillance, while some have been arrested, according to the sources.
In recent weeks, crude bomb explosions and arson attacks targeting vehicles have been reported at several key locations in the capital, including Farmgate, TSC, Chankharpul, Malibagh and Rampura.
Intelligence sources said Awami League leaders and activists, along with members of its affiliated organisations, were allegedly carrying out attacks using a ‘hit-and-run’ strategy. They were reportedly disguising themselves as workers or ordinary citizens before carrying out the attacks and fleeing the scene.
Following the incidents, law enforcement agencies have stepped up security measures in several parts of the capital. These include drone surveillance and special checkpoints at key locations to prevent further attacks and reassure the public.
Several suspects have recently been arrested in connection with crude bomb explosions and arson attacks. Their interrogation has reportedly provided investigators with information about the banned party’s alleged sabotage plans and covert organisational networks.
Based on information obtained from the detainees, police are now investigating other suspected dormant cells and trying to identify individuals allegedly involved in planning, coordinating and financing sabotage activities.
Law enforcement agencies are also continuing efforts to identify the alleged planners and prevent further attacks, the sources added.
