NO POLITICAL MOTIVE BEHIND ONGOING SPECIAL DRIVE: MATIN

DHAKA, Bangladesh, June 16 (BSS) - Adviser for home affairs Maj Gen
(retd) M A Matin today said there is no political motive behind
the ongoing special drive.

The drive is not being conducted for political harassment, he
said adding that people are arrested on the basis of specific
allegations.

The adviser addressing a press conference in the meeting room
of the Home Ministry here. Home Affairs Secretary Mohammad Abdul
Karim and Inspector General of Police Nur Mohammad were present
on the occasion.

MA Matin said recently terrorist activities, including
attacks on members of law-enforcing agencies, snatching of
firearms from policemen, creation of anarchy in the garment
sector, murder and mugging, have increased.

He said the special drive is being conducted across the
country since May 28 for improving the law and order. Members of
the armed forces are assisting the special drive of police, he
added.

A total of 24,862 persons, including terrorists, were
arrested on various charges from May 29 to June 12, the adviser
said adding that only 191 persons were arrested under the
Emergency Power Rules (EPRs) during the drive.

MA Matin said extremist activities have reduced to a great
extent, and the law and order improved due to the special drive.

In a reply to a question, he said the government would take
decision on former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum
Khaleda Zia.

About the release of former prime minister and President of
Awami League Sheikh Hasina, the adviser said she was released
temporally. If necessary, her release order would be cancelled,
he added.

Abdul Karim said committees have been formed in district and
metropolitan cities for release of those who suffered half of
their punishment as the convicts on various offences. He said the
committees will give reports after examinations. Then the
government will take decision in this regard, he added.