Sabotage more frequent ahead of upcoming national polls: DMP commissioner

More frequent incidents of sabotage and a fearsome environment have been prevailing across the country ahead of the upcoming national polls, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman said on Thursday (21 December).

"There is a panic-stricken situation centring on the political programmes of a few political parties," said the DMP commissioner during a discussion with reporters after a meeting between the Election Commission, members of law enforcement agencies and local administrations at the Nirbachan Bhaban today.

The DMP chief said the Bangladesh police have made all-out preparations to ensure a conducive environment for a fair election by addressing the situation.

Responding to a query on the arson on Mohanganj Express train in Tejgaon that claimed four lives, the DMP chief said, "Various types of sabotage activities have been carried out since 28 October, the majority of which have been resolved by the police, and those involved in the sabotage have been brought to book."

Additionally, various steps have been taken to prevent such activities in the coming days, said the DMP chief, noting that members of other law enforcement agencies are collaborating with the police.

He also mentioned that additional Ansar members were deployed to prevent any further sabotage of the rail system.