FROM PAGE 1

situation may already have deteriorated,” he said.

“Wherever there was a delay on our part, it was because we received information late. Sometimes our nearest camp can be 20 kilometres away. We cannot set up camps at every kilometre. We try our utmost, but it is not possible to be at every doorstep,” he added.

Col Shafiqul said maintaining law and order was not solely the army’s duty. While the force has magistracy powers to arrest, detain and hand suspects to police, it cannot impose judicial punishment.

Referring to a mob attack outside a freedom fighter’s home, he said troops were dispatched as soon as the message was received. “No mob or disorder can diminish the dignity of our freedom fighters,” he added.

The colonel reaffirmed that the army maintains “zero tolerance” towards mob violence and expressed hope that the number of such incidents will come down in the days ahead.

About misinformation, he said groups with vested interests were spreading “disinformation, falsehoods and propaganda” on social media against the army, which he described as “undesirable and embarrassing”.

He urged the media to ensure accurate reporting and resist efforts to undermine public trust in the army.

In reply to a query on the Ducsu election, he reiterated: “The army has no role in this election. Still, some quarters are attempting to spread propaganda linking us with it, but this will not succeed.”

Regarding the national polls, he said that although the army has not yet received any formal directive from the Election Commission, preparations are underway. “We will carry out whatever duties we are assigned with the highest professionalism.”

Col Shafiqul also dismissed claims that the army was not cooperating with the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances. “Those [officers] who were called have already spoken to the commission and extended full cooperation. If further help is needed, the Bangladesh Army will continue to provide it. Any claim to the contrary is simply rumour,” he said.