No Need to Panic Over Lockdown: DB Chief

The head of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB), Md. Shafiqul Islam, has stated that there is no need to panic regarding the lockdown announced by the Awami League on November 13. He assured that those attempting to create a fearful situation or engage in subversive activities will be dealt with using the full force of the law.

Speaking at a press conference organized by the DM Police Media Center on Wednesday, he responded to journalists’ questions regarding the matter.

The DB chief further emphasized that the police are not only arresting those directly involved in acts of sabotage in the capital but also targeting those behind such activities. He mentioned that 44 individuals were arrested today in connection with such offenses.

Shafiqul Islam also addressed the issue of social media provocations. He said that the DB is keeping a close watch on individuals who are inciting violence or issuing directives on social media. Despite these online provocations, there is no evidence of such activities on the streets. For example, a video showed a rickshaw driver being paid 500 taka to chant slogans, but upon investigation, it was found that the driver had no criminal record. This was an attempt to create confusion by exploiting innocent people, and the DB is taking strict action to stop it.

He concluded by reiterating that any such subversive activities will be suppressed with the full force of the law and urged citizens to ignore rumors and cooperate with law enforcement to maintain public order.