The Bangladesh Army has formed a probe court to investigate allegations against one of its officers for attending a secret meeting with Awami League cadres to plan large-scale sabotage.
Earlier, the army detained Major Sadekul Haque Sadek from his residence in Dhaka’s Uttara area on July 17. He was taken into military custody after initial findings suggested the allegation may be true.
The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the matter in a statement issued Friday (August 1).
According to ISPR, the officer was placed under military custody after a law enforcement agency raised allegations linking him to political activities. The Army has since formed a court of inquiry to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.
“Preliminary findings have substantiated the allegations,” the ISPR said, adding that necessary punitive action under military law would be taken based on the final results of the investigation.
A separate court of inquiry has also been constituted to examine the officer’s absence from his assigned duties.
The ISPR emphasised that the Bangladesh Army is a non-political, disciplined, and professional institution with no scope for political affiliation. “Any member found to be involved in political activities will face appropriate action under military law,” the statement added.
According to multiple government intelligence sources, the officer in question—identified as Major Sadekul Haque Sadek—had allegedly supervised training programmes for selected Awami League cadres. These activities reportedly aimed at destabilising the country ahead of potential political unrest, including efforts to challenge the current interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Sources claim the Awami League, whose activities remain banned following its ouster during a mass uprising, has been preparing for coordinated acts of sabotage across the country in August. Around 2,500 cadres from the party and its affiliated banned organisations, including the student wing Chhatra League, are said to have received training in various areas of Dhaka such as Mirpur, Vatara, Katabon, and Purbachal.
One such training session allegedly took place on July 8 at a convention centre in the Vatara area, which was reportedly rented for Tk40,000 under the guise of a workshop. Around 400 individuals from the Awami League and its affiliates reportedly attended, using pre-issued tokens that were distributed during a prior meeting in Mirpur DOHS.
The Bangladesh Army said it is coordinating with the police and other relevant law enforcement agencies in relation to the investigation. It also reaffirmed its commitment to upholding discipline, professionalism, and constitutional responsibilities among its members.
MSK/
