The Bangladesh Army has released a statement regarding the 626 individuals who took refuge in various cantonments across the country during the aftermath of the July–August 2024 mass uprising.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), the army provided temporary shelter purely on humanitarian grounds, aiming to protect lives amidst escalating unrest and threats of unlawful killings.
In a press release issued today (Thursday), the ISPR clarified that the primary objective at the time was to save lives rather than conduct detailed identity verification.
Most of the individuals left the cantonments within a day or two as the situation stabilized. Five individuals were handed over to law enforcement agencies through proper legal procedures based on charges or ongoing cases against them.
The ISPR statement noted that following the fall of the previous government during the student-public uprising, the law and order situation deteriorated sharply due to the actions of certain vested interest groups.
The country witnessed attacks on government offices and police stations, arson attacks on the homes of political leaders and activists, mob justice incidents, theft, and looting—creating a widespread sense of insecurity among citizens.
Under these chaotic circumstances, individuals from various professions, including political figures, judges, civil administrators, police personnel, university officials, and family members (including women and children), sought refuge in cantonments across the country, particularly in Dhaka. A total of 626 people were sheltered, including:
24 political figures
5 judges
19 civil administration officials
515 police personnel
1 NSI member
12 miscellaneous individuals
51 family members
ISPR mentioned that on August 18, a formal press release was issued along with a list of 193 individuals (excluding 432 general police members and one NSI agent) which was submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, resolving the matter officially.
The army emphasized that the shelter was provided temporarily and from a humanitarian standpoint, with the clear intent of saving lives amid a deteriorating security landscape.
They further condemned attempts by certain interest groups to spread misleading information intended to tarnish the reputation of the Bangladesh Army and create distrust among the public.
The statement concludes by urging the public to remain vigilant against misinformation and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to national sovereignty, professionalism, and standing by the nation with dedication and integrity.
The full list of 626 sheltered individuals has been attached to the press release for public record.
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