There is no reason to panic over the lockdown announced by the Awami League for November 13, said Md. Shafiqul Islam, chief of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Branch (DB).
The DB chief warned that anyone attempting to create fear or engage in disruptive activities would face the full force of the law.
He made the remarks on Wednesday (November 12) during a press briefing at the DMP media center in response to journalists’ questions.
Shafiqul Islam added that law enforcement is not only targeting those carrying out subversive activities in the capital but also those behind the scenes. “Today, 44 people have been arrested,” he said.
He also raised concerns about social media misuse, saying, “We are monitoring individuals spreading provocative messages or instructions online. Many of these instigators are active only on social media and are not seen on the streets. In one case, an innocent rickshaw puller was paid 500 taka to shout slogans, and the video was later circulated. Upon investigation, it was found that he had no criminal record. This shows attempts to mislead the public using ordinary citizens, which the DB is strictly cracking down on.”
The DB chief urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement and avoid spreading or believing rumors, emphasizing that all disruptive activities would be curbed using the full extent of the law.
