DHAKA, Dec 10: Bangladesh’s armed forces fanned out across the country early on Sunday and took up positions at strategic points in the capital and the district headquarters to help the civil administration maintain law and order.

The president and chief adviser to the caretaker government, Iajuddin Ahmed, on Saturday had decided to deploy troops in aid of the civil administration to maintain law and order, overriding objections from some advisers to the caretaker government. The troops would shortly launch drive against illegal weapons and listed criminals, highly-placed sources in the caretaker government said.

“The army has been called out to help the civil administration, and they will remain in the filed as long as they are required,” Home Secretary Abdul Karim said.

The armed forces along with regular law-enforcement agencies -- police, paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles, Rapid Action Battalion Coast Guards – will conduct raids against criminals whose list was prepared by former government of BNP-led alliance. Officials of the Inter-Service Public Relations said the troops had been deployed at all strategic installations in Dhaka and in all district headquarters at 6 am on Sunday after the government order.

“The troops will remain deployed until further notice,” said ISPR Director Lieutenant Colonel Anisur Rahman Chowdhury.

Members of the Navy have been deployed at the Chittagong Port and the coastal belt of Bhola, Bagerhat, Cox’s Bazaar and Noakhali while air force personnel have been posted at the Zia International Airport, Shah Amanat Airport in Chittagong and Jessore Airport.