Bangladesh's powerful military has rejected as "speculation" the reports that it was planning a coup to end continued political turmoil that has claimed 100 lives, saying it was "totally respectful" to the country's Constitution and laws.
"The Armed Forces is a patriotic organisation that is totally respectful to the country's Constitution and laws," the military's Inter Service Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) said in a statement.
The military also asked the media to be "careful" in running reports on or related to the Armed Forces that suggested the military was planning to overthrow the Sheikh Hasina-led government which came to power last year.
"A few section of media have been disseminating information or comments based on speculation and presumption which are unfortunate," the statement issued yesterday said, adding that such news was "unwanted and could create confusion among people".
"Under this circumstance, all concerned are requested to remain cautious enough while disseminating information or comments about the army," the statement said, apparently referring to the speculation doing rounds on the social media while the mainstream media kept comments on possible military intervention to a minimum so far.
Bangladesh has witnessed at least 19 military-backed coups and has been ruled by two military dictators since the country's independence in 1971.
Political turmoil has pushed Bangladesh to the edge as the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-enforced 72-hour nationwide general strike was underway alongside their transport blockade, which entered its 34th day today.
At least 100 people have lost their lives, mostly in firebomb attacks on buses or trucks by suspected opposition activists since Friday.
Passengers on the Indo-Bangla 'Maitree Express' had a narrow escape yesterday when opposition activists hurled petrol bombs on the train coming from Kolkata.
Local media reports have put the toll at 76, excluding deaths of 24 suspected saboteurs or "hired goons", who officials said died in "encounters" with the law enforcement agencies.
An alleged arsonist died today at Jatrabari area in the capital in the latest such "shootout".
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier this week rejected possibilities of proclaiming state of emergency within the constitutional provision when the military can generally be called out in aid of civil administration.
Her archrival Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief and ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia last week vowed to continue the "movement"- coinciding with the first anniversary of the controversial January 5 polls - and said "I am ready to face any consequences".
The opposition has been demanding midterm elections since it boycotted the divisive polls last year.
