The Bangladesh Army would take appropriate punitive measures against personnel if it is proven they were involved in enforced disappearances committed at the behest of the Awami League regime, a key official said Thursday.
Military Operations Directorate’s (Staff Colonel) Colonel Md Shafiqul Islam announced the decision at a press briefing held at the Dhaka Cantonment.
He noted that the Army does not have control over personnel deputed for operations beyond the force’s purview.
Allegations have been raised that some Army personnel were involved in state-backed acts of enforced disappearances when appointed to relevant operations by the Awami League government, Md Shafiqul said.
If the allegations are proven, the Army would take appropriate measures against the accused, he confirmed.
He also said that if the families of enforced disappearance victims seek security assistance from the Army, the force would extend adequate support.
Responding to another question from reporters, Md Shafiqul said the Army is yet to receive any direction from the Election Commission (EC) on providing security support during the next general polls. The Army is ready to provide necessary support for holding a free and fair election upon receiving directions from the EC.
He also claimed that law enforcers have recovered almost 80% of the firearms looted from police stations following the ouster of Awami League regime on 5 August last year. Hopefully, the rest of the 20% would be recovered before the elections, he said.
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