Govt Keeping Eyes on AL’s Overseas Activities

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said yesterday (August 11) that the government is closely monitoring the activities of Awami League (AL) abroad as the party’s activities remained ban in the country.

“We are monitoring what they are doing abroad,” he said, replying to a question from journalists over the operation of AL’s party office in Kolkata while speaking at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in the city.

The press conference was organized on the occasion of the Chief Adviser's visit to Malaysia.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is leaving the country on a three-day state visit to Malaysia tomorrow at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Shafiqul Alam said the government is keeping a close watch on whether AL engages in any activities overseas that could incite unrest in Bangladesh. If any specific information is found in this regard, it will be shared, he added.

Replying to another question over the use of body-worn cameras in elections, the press secretary explained that these devices, integrated with AI, will help improve security at polling centers.

From a certain distance, Superintendents of Police (SP) or Officers-in-Charge (OCs) will be able to monitor the situation, Shafiqul Alam said, adding, if law and order deteriorates in any spots, they can respond quickly. 

“It’s very urgent and the Chief Adviser yesterday directed that the cameras be procured as soon as possible,” he said.

“Our goal is to ensure free and fair elections so that all citizens can vote enthusiastically. Therefore, we are purchasing these body-worn cameras so that we can ensure the security of 47,000 polling stations,” the press secretary added.

Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shah Asif Rahman and Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present at the press conference.