“Training of Awami Cadres, Major Sadiq Detained – Investigation Underway in Army Custody”

A Bangladesh Army officer, Major Sadiqul Haque alias Major Sadiq, has been accused of secretly training Awami League and Chhatra League leaders and activists. The matter has created a sensation across the country. The Army Headquarters has confirmed that he has been arrested and is currently in army custody and a military court has been formed for investigation.

Brigadier General Md. Nazim-ud-Daula, Director of the Military Operations Directorate of the Army Headquarters, gave this information at a press briefing held at the Officers Mess in Dhaka Cantonment on Thursday (July 31). He said that the initial investigation has found the truth of the allegations.

Sources said that about 400 leaders and activists of the Awami League and the banned Chhatra League were secretly trained in Mirpur, Bhatara, Kataban and Purbachal areas. The largest training session was held at a convention center in Bhatara police station on July 8. The trainees were provided with a token two days ago.

According to intelligence agencies, Major Sadiq led the organization and implementation of the training. He was arrested by an army unit from Uttara in the capital on July 17. It is learned that he was working in Ramu Cantonment in Cox's Bazar.

In addition, intelligence information says that Major Sadiq was assisted in the training by his wife, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sumaiya Zafarin. During the absence of both of them, they coordinated the training by keeping in touch with the Prime Minister's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy.

It is alleged that the main observer of this entire plan is former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who is based in Kolkata. Former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, absconding Additional IGP Monirul Islam, and former DGFI chief Lieutenant General Mujibur Rahman are assisting him.

The police have also launched a drive in this regard. 22 leaders and activists of the Awami League and the banned Chhatra League have already been arrested. Among them are Uttara Jubo League leader Sohel Rana and Awami League leader Shamima Nasrin (Shampa), based on whose interrogation Major Sadiq's name came to the fore.

Today, Friday, the army's public relations department ISPR said in a press release that a court of inquiry has been formed against the major taken into military custody. Strict action will be taken under the military law after the full investigation.

There is widespread tension in the country's political and security arena over this incident. Through this, political influence and political involvement of army members have once again come into question.