A total of 626 people, including members of the Awami League government, took shelter in various cantonments of the country after the ouster on August 5, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations Department (ISPR). According to the ISPR press release, when the law and order situation deteriorated severely across the country, several political figures and civilians took refuge in the cantonment fearing for their lives.
It said that a total of 626 people were sheltered in various cantonments in an effort to prevent extrajudicial activities, save lives and uphold the rule of law
Among them were 24 political figures, 5 judges, 19 civil administration officials, 28 police officers, 487 members of various levels of police, 12 miscellaneous persons including officials of various public universities and 51 family members (wives and children). Subject to the improvement of the situation, 615 people left the cantonment on their own initiative.
Besides, 4 of the sheltered persons have so far been handed over to the law enforcement agencies following due legal process based on the charges or cases brought against them. At present three sheltered persons along with their four family members are staying in the cantonment totaling seven. In this case, the army has given all the information to the concerned ministry.
Bangladesh Army is working impartially and professionally with the aim of preventing extrajudicial activities and upholding the rule of law in addition to improving the law and order situation in the country. In this regard, everyone is humbly requested to show patient and cooperative attitude and not listen to rumours. The notification informed that the Bangladesh Army is always on the side of the public and will remain respectful of the existing laws of the country.
