Bangladesh: Coup foiled by Army to topple Hasina govt

Dhaka, Jan 20: Bangladesh has thwarted a coup attempt by certain officers with 'extreme religious views' against the Sheikh Hasina government. The attempt was foiled due to the timely intervention of the Bangladesh army. According to the army, 16 officers of which two are retired is believed to be behind the attempt.

The accused are being brought under the law. Most of those behind the conspiracy are Bangladeshis living abroad. Army spokesman Brigadier General Muhammad Masud Razzaq said some of the officers have already been detained and will be presented before the military court. He added that the two former officers "bluntly admitted their role in the plot."

Razzaq, however, refused to divulge complete details of the plot or the suspects. He only commented that the officers were from the "middle level". Another missing officer who plotted against the government was a major and two others were a former Lieutenant Colonel and a Major.

Bangladesh has a history of military governments with the Awami League led by Hasina assuming power in 2009. Razzak commented, "Banking on the army in the past, different evil forces availed political gains and made abortive attempts to do so but as an institution, military still has to bear the stigma."

OneIndia News