Lawmen watching Hefazat movement closely

The law enforcement agencies are watching very closely the regions inhabited by the Hefazat-e-Islam activists in order to maintain law and order.

Police said crackdown on the Islamist group will get under way anytime soon. Security has been beefed up in Dhaka, Chattogram, Bahmanbaria and Noakhali.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said on Sunday the government will get tough with the perpetrators of crime.

"Stern action will be taken if an act of sabotage like that in Brahmanbaria is carried out further," the home boss said while talking to reporters at the Secretariat today.

"Tense situation prevails in the country. Attempts are being made to carry out sabotage."

He urged hartal supporters to refrain from doing any evil deed.

"We are also looking into whether any vested interests are calling the shot and instigating Hefazat," added the minister.

The activists of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh went berserk in Dhaka, Chattogram, Bahmanbaria and Noakhali and some other parts of the country on Sunday during their day-long hartal.

According to police, no violence will be tolerated in DMP areas. Earlier on Saturday night, Police Headquarters issued directive to all metropolitan and district police to beef up security.  

DMP Commissioner Shafiqul Islam told the media, "There were many foreign dignitaries in the country and so we held patience. Strong action will be taken against any violent acts."

Meanwhile, Rab Headquarters has ordered its all battalions including five battalions in Dhaka to stay alert to tackle any unwanted situation.

Lieutenant Colonel Ashique Billah, director, (Media) of Rapid Action Battalion, said the elite force started monitoring social media through cyber patrolling to tackle the situation. 

"We urge people not to be violent. Nevertheless if anyone tries to be so in the name of hartal, Rab will get tough with them," he warned.

Fayzur Rahman, director, (Operation) of Border Guard Bangladesh, told The Business Standard, "We have already deployed a sufficient number of BGB members to different areas including Dhaka since Friday night." 

"If the authorities want more, our members are ready to go for the action," added Fayzur.