Home Advisor Announces Nationwide Combing Operation to Improve Law and Order

A special combing operation is being launched today, Sunday, to maintain law and order and to ensure pre-election stability, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has announced.

Following a meeting of the advisory committee on law and order at the ministry of home affairs on Sunday's morning, the adviser told journalists, “The murder that took place in Mitford of the capital is extremely tragic and barbaric. Such incidents have no place in a civilised society.”

The adviser said that seven out of the 19 accused in the Mitford murder case have been arrested so far. Authorities are also investigating whether there was any negligence in the investigation of the case by the law enforcement agencies. “No matter who the perpetrator is, no one will be spared on the grounds of political identity. The law is equal for all,” said the home adviser.

He also mentioned that preparations are underway to bring the Mitford murder case under the speedy trial tribunal. Another suspect has been arrested in connection to a recent murder that occurred in Khulna.

In response to a question from the journalists, Jahangir Alam said, “No one called the police emergency number 999 to report the Mitford incident. Even though Ansar members were nearby, no one informed them either.”

The adviser stated that the government is taking necessary action with the rise in crimes like murder, theft, robbery, extortion, violence against women, terrorism, and drug trafficking. With that goal, the law enforcement agencies will now conduct special sweeping drives across the country alongside their regular operations.

He further said the government has plans to complete all preparations for the national elections by 31 December this year. The sweeping drive will play a crucial role in maintaining law and order in the run-up to the elections, hopes the home adviser.

On Wednesday, scrap trader Lal Chand, also known as Sohag, 39, was brutally killed in front of Mitford Hospital in Dhaka. Before killing him, the attackers beat and bludgeoned him with bricks and stones leaving his head and body severely crushed. At a point he was stripped naked, and some attackers jumped on his body.

Reports have indicated involvement of members of the BNP’s affiliate organisations, Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal in this murder. Jubo Dal announced the expulsion of two of the accused on Friday evening. Chhatra Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal have also expelled two others linked to the case.