The Ministry of Home Affairs opposes a proposal to include Battalion Ansar in anti-drug drives saying that the force is not a “law enforcement agency”.

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) has condemned the recent deaths of scores of people in so-called shootouts in Bangladesh.

It was 1:30pm. Some 1,000 policemen started gathering near Karwan Bazar kitchen market in the capital yesterday. The mobilisation of so many cops drew a huge crowd, curious to know what was happening.

The noted human rights activist said the law enforcement agencies' actions would not provide a sustainable solution against illegal drugs.

At least 147 people are detained during anti-narcotics drive through Hazaribagh and Karwan Bazar in Dhaka city, law enforcers claim.