International   

Army troops deployed across Bangladesh

Haroon Habib

Forces to maintain security for the elections

DHAKA: Bangladesh President Iajuddin Ahmed has ordered deployment of the army in aid of the civil administration, taking a yet another controversial decision in the wake of a sustained political crisis ahead of a crucial general election.

The abrupt deployment of the army was ordered late on Saturday night by the titular President, who is now in charge of Defence, disregarding strong opposition by Members of the Council of Advisers of the caretaker Government. Some of the advisers have made public statements questioning the army deployment and said they might resign since their views were ignored and it might aggravate the political situation. According to several Advisers, they were unanimous in their opposition to the move to deploy the army, but Mr. Ahmed did not heed their advice. They also said the favourable atmosphere that they had brought about after weeks of negotiations between the rival political camps is being destroyed due to the President's action.

The Home Ministry said on Sunday in a notification, "The deployment of troops has been completed at all district headquarters on Sunday to avert any unwarranted situation on the eve of the coming general election." It said the members of the armed forces would discharge their duties on the advice of the civil administration "to protect public life and property, keep economic activity running, recover illegal weapons and curb terrorist acts." An army spokesman said troops were posted at key installations in the capital and district headquarters. Naval forces were deployed in the coastal districts while air force personnel took charge of security at the airports in Dhaka, Chittagong and Jessore.

Armymen in combat fatigue patrolled the main streets in Dhaka, which saw a rather unusually quiet day as the 14-party combine led by Sheikh Hasina suspended its blockade programme of the President's House Bangabhaban.

The Dhaka police also imposed prohibitory orders around the President's House, banning all processions and demonstrations. Troops were also seen guarding the President's House.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Army troops deployed across Bangladesh
Chinese troops arrive in Pakistan for exercises
Tigers allege shelling of refugee camps
Dead spy's wife points the finger at Russia
Second woman of Indian origin in space
Hizbollah stages protest in Beirut
U.S. bugged Diana phone
Nine die in hospital fire
Contradicts U.S. obligations: Xinhua
Cossacks fete first-ever Indians to visit the region

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu