“No Restriction on Freedom of Expression, Social Media Open for All”: Army Headquarters

Staff Reporter

The Army Headquarters stated that there are no restrictions on expressing opinions in the media or social media, emphasizing that everyone is free to share their views. Responsibility for evaluating the objectivity of these opinions lies with the public, they said.

Staff Colonel Md. Shafiqul Islam of the Military Operations Directorate made the statement during a press conference at the Officers’ Mess in Dhaka Cantonment on Monday. Organized by the Army Headquarters, the conference presented data on army operations conducted between December 28 and February 16.

On law and order, Colonel Shafiqul said, “Incidents like mob justice, extortion, theft, and murder have significantly decreased.” He shared comparative statistics, noting that extortion cases dropped from 250 to 110, thefts from an average of 850 to below 650, and murders from 350 to 120 over the last two months. He credited the reduction to identifying crime hotspots and continuous monitoring.

The Army arrested 2,142 individuals in the past month, including 334 involved in drug-related activities, he added.

Regarding recent protests, Colonel Shafiqul reported that 3,859 injured individuals were treated at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) following the events of August 5, with 41 still under care.

Asked about social media criticism of the army, Colonel Shafiqul responded, “Social media allows free expression of opinions. We are not restricting anyone. The responsibility for assessing objectivity lies with the people.” He also remarked that the media operates independently.

On recent robberies in Mohammadpur and Banani involving current and former army personnel, Colonel Shafiqul termed them isolated but unacceptable incidents. He assured that internal investigations are underway, and those involved will face either military or civil legal action depending on their status.

Responding to a question about the abduction of rubber plantation workers in Lama, Bandarban, he said, “We have information that 20 individuals were abducted by a criminal group, and rescue efforts are ongoing.”

Colonel Shafiqul highlighted progress against armed groups like the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), stating that two KNF camps were destroyed on Sunday, and 81 displaced individuals from 11 Bawm families had returned to their homes with army assistance.

In the past 50 days, the army recovered 172 illegal weapons and 527 rounds of ammunition. They also played a key role in resolving 88 industrial disputes in areas like Gazipur, Ashulia, and Savar, coordinating with stakeholders to maintain factory operations.

Additionally, army personnel managed 42 other unrest incidents, including those related to educational institutions, government offices, political conflicts, and miscellaneous issues.