Army Releases List of 626 Individuals Sheltered in Barracks Following July Uprising

Dhaka, Thursday: In the aftermath of the July 2024 uprising, the Bangladesh Army has clarified its role in temporarily sheltering 626 individuals within various military barracks across the country. The primary motivation, according to an official statement issued today by the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), was humanitarian: to protect lives at risk due to the sudden deterioration in national security and law and order.

Background: Post-Uprising Turmoil

Following the collapse of the previous government in July–August 2024, triggered by a sudden civil and military uprising, Bangladesh experienced widespread unrest. The ISPR notes that opportunistic and conspiratorial groups fuelled chaos, leading to:

• Attacks on government offices and police stations
• Violence against political leaders and their supporters
• Arson attacks on homes
• Mob justice incidents
• Theft and looting

This created a pervasive sense of insecurity among citizens across all sectors of society.

The Army’s Humanitarian Response

According to the ISPR, individuals from diverse professional and political backgrounds sought refuge in military installations, particularly in Dhaka and other major urban centres. The army prioritised the immediate protection of lives over administrative or legal vetting during this period of acute national instability.

Profile of the Sheltered Individuals

The following categories of people were offered temporary shelter:

Additionally, the list included one member of the National Security Intelligence (NSI).

The army emphasised that most individuals stayed only one or two days before leaving voluntarily. In five cases, individuals facing legal charges were handed over to law enforcement following due legal procedures.

Official Communication and Transparency

On 18 August 2024, ISPR formally informed the Ministry of Home Affairs by submitting a list of 193 individuals, excluding 432 regular police officers and one NSI officer. This was deemed a closed matter, meant to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those involved during a volatile time.

The complete list of all 626 sheltered individuals has now been published to reinforce transparency and counter misinformation.

Response to Disinformation Campaigns

The ISPR has expressed concern over what it terms “a deliberate campaign of misinformation” by vested interest groups aimed at maligning the image of the Bangladesh Army and sowing distrust among the public. The statement reiterates the army’s steadfast commitment to national sovereignty and its role as a professional, trusted institution dedicated to standing by the people.

“We urge all citizens to remain vigilant against such misleading propaganda and reaffirm our allegiance to the Constitution, our nation’s security, and our collective future,” the statement concludes.

List of Individuals Sheltered in the Interior of the Parliament Following the Mass Uprising: