Bangladesh Interim Government Orders Surrender of Illegal Firearms Amid Ongoing Unrest
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/12th August 2024
The interim government of Bangladesh has issued a stern directive for protesters to return all illegal and unauthorized firearms by August 19. Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain, the Home Affairs Adviser, announced this deadline on Monday, emphasizing that any weapons, including rifles reportedly looted from law enforcement during recent violent clashes, must be surrendered to local police stations.
Hussain warned that failure to comply with this order would lead to intensive searches and legal action against those found in possession of unauthorized arms. His comments came during a visit to the Combined Military Hospital, where he met with injured members of the paramilitary Bangladesh Ansar, who were affected by the recent turmoil following the resignation and flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India.
The country has been engulfed in chaos since Hasina’s resignation last week, which followed violent protests over a contentious job quota system. The unrest has resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating around 500 deaths and thousands of injuries, including students caught in the crossfire.
Hussain also highlighted a specific incident captured on video, showing a youth removing a 7.62 mm rifle from the scene. He stressed the importance of returning such firearms and urged individuals who may have taken them to hand them over through intermediaries if they are unable to do so personally.
In his remarks, Hussain indicated that investigations are underway to identify the individuals involved in the shooting at Ansar members. This follows a period of heightened tensions and accusations, which have included a recent controversy where Hussain had suggested shutting down media outlets that spread false information. However, he later retracted these comments, clarifying that he had spoken out of frustration and reaffirming his support for a free press.
The interim government, now led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has taken charge in the wake of Hasina’s departure. Yunus, who took office last Thursday, heads a 16-member advisory council tasked with stabilizing the country and overseeing its administration during this turbulent period.
The call for the surrender of illegal firearms reflects the interim administration’s broader effort to restore order and address the ongoing security challenges. The authorities are aiming to reestablish control and prevent further violence, which has disrupted daily life and strained the country’s resources. The government’s actions underscore its commitment to curbing the spread of illegal weapons and maintaining public safety as it navigates through the political and social upheaval triggered by recent events.
As the situation evolves, the interim government faces the dual challenge of managing the immediate aftermath of the unrest while working to address the underlying issues that have fueled the protests. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the stability and future direction of Bangladesh as it seeks to recover from this period of intense conflict.
