Bangladesh army chief warns country 'at risk' from infighting

DHAKA: Bangladesh’s army chief on Tuesday blamed infighting for deteriorating law and order, warning that the gains of the student-led revolution that toppled the government last August were at risk.

The South Asian nation has been struggling to stem a surge in violent crime, with the security forces arresting thousands this month targeting gangs allegedly connected to the party of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

“If you can’t move beyond your differences and continue meddling and fighting among yourselves, the independence and integrity of the country will be at risk -- I warn you,” said General Waker-Uz-Zaman, without singling out any group by name.

“Since stakeholders are busy accusing each other, miscreants find the situation favourable. They believe they can get away with anything,” he said at an army memorial event. Bangladesh has been riven by a surge of crime, as well as protests this month where crowds smashed buildings connected to Hasina’s family.

Last week rival student factions clashed at a university campus, a sign of serious discord between groups instrumental in driving the uprising against Hasina.

Security forces have arrested more than 8,600 people since it launched “Operation Devil Hunt” on February 8, which the government has accused of being Hasina loyalists and of wanting to “destabilise” the country.“The anarchy we have witnessed is manufactured by us,” Waker said.Bangladesh has a long history of military coups.

Waker said security forces accused of a raft of allegations “of enforced disappearances, murder, and torture must be investigated”.

“Punishment must be ensured,” he said. “Otherwise, we will be trapped in the same cycle.”