Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Choudhury said the army opened fire in Gopalganj due to situational necessity.
He made the remark while speaking to journalists on Sunday afternoon at the Secretariat, following a meeting with the Core Committee on Law and Order and representatives from various law enforcement agencies.
When asked about the army’s use of firearms in Gopalganj, the adviser responded, “The required measures must be taken depending on the situation.” He added that Section 144, imposed in the district following clashes between law enforcement and Awami League activists, would be gradually lifted.
Addressing the issue of arrests, Jahangir Alam said, “Anyone who commits a crime will be arrested. My position is clear. No criminal should go unpunished, and no innocent person should be wrongfully detained.”
Regarding the recent clashes in Gopalganj, he stated, “I’m not denying what happened, it is part of politics. When you’re involved in politics, such incidents may occur. We experienced similar situations on university campuses in our political days. The question is whether appropriate measures are being taken afterward, and we are taking those steps.”
On the deaths of four individuals in Gopalganj, he noted that a committee has been formed to decide whether legal cases will be filed. He also dismissed claims of mass arrests in the area, saying only those involved in unlawful activities were being detained.
When asked about reports that nine minors were detained in Gopalganj, he replied, “I have no such information.”
Regarding Sunday’s hartal called by the Chhatra League, the adviser said, “The Awami League called a hartal. You tell me, was there really a hartal? Two vehicles were indeed set on fire, that’s true. Acts of sabotage occurred. But compared to past hartals, where sabotage was more severe, this time we’ve been able to reduce it.”
On whether law enforcement will be able to maintain order during the national elections expected in February or April, the adviser responded, “Why wouldn’t they be able to ensure a fair election? The law enforcement agencies are preparing, and there’s still ample time. Training is ongoing. We are getting ready. God willing, the election will be held without difficulty.”