Nearly 700 detained over Saturday’s violence: Home Minister

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has said that nearly 700 people have been detained over BNP’ s Saturday (July 29) violence. Those will not be found involved in the violence will be released from police stations.

He, however, could not say how many people have already been sent to court so far.

The Minister told this to the reporters in reply to queries at the conference room of the Home Ministry at the Secretariat on Sunday (July 30).

Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said, “Our law enforcement agencies are ready to face any kind of situation and atmosphere centering the elections. US, UK, Japan and Korean delegates are observing the election affairs.”

He said, “They wanted to know what preparations the Home Ministry have taken for a fair election. We replied that our law enforcement agencies including police, BGB, Ansar and Coast Guard are ready. They are advanced in their skills, knowledge and professionalism. They are capable of holding any election.”

The Minister said, “Law enforcement agencies played the proper role in all elections held in the country since 1971. The biggest true is that there will no role for the ministry. Election Commission (EC) will play main role. All security forces and administrations will remain under the EC. We revealed them that the Home Ministry cannot make any transfer or post anyone during this period.”

“They wanted to know whether we have enough police forces. We informed them that we have a disciplined force. Nearly one billion are ready for election.  They will work for election like police force. We are ready to hold a peaceful and violence-free election. They express their satisfactory with our speech,” he added.