The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

At least 100 security personnel of the country achieved a non-lethal weapons practical demonstration on how to control angry civilians without causing fatal injuries by the group of trainers of the US Marine Corps.

The local trainees demonstrated the acquired tactics in the BDR Golf Field yesterday.

The Director General of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) Maj Gen Shakil Ahmed witnessed the demonstration as chief guest and distributed certificates among the participants.

Foreign guests from 12 countries, including Nepal, Vietnam, Cambodia, East Timor, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Mongolia and USA watched the demonstration. The trainees were officers, JCO and non commissioned officers from Bangladesh Armed Forces, BDR, Coast Guard, Police, APBn, Ansar, VDP and Fire Service and Civil Defence personnel participated in the 10-day Non-Lethal Weapons Practical training that began on July 12.

Seventeen trainers of the US Marine Corps imparted the training. Col Budak, Assistant Chief of Staff (Plans and Policy) of the US Marine Forces Pacific led the team.

Talking to reporters after the demonstration, BDR Chief Maj Gen Shakil Ahmed said the training that was conducted here would be of use for BDR. "I think all will be benefited. This will enhance law enforcers' capacity to handle unruly mob as well as address the law and order situation," he said.

During the demonstration it was shown that a group of people gathered in a field that is designated as a future food distribution centre as part of an on going humanitarian aid mission. But some people of the local community are not happy with this plan.

In the face of the local's protest, members of the 'control force' were seen arriving there and formed a 'crowd control formation' to remove the agitators from the area.

The control force tried to stop the agitation but the agitators started throwing brickbats targeting the control force. Some of the agitators equipped with firearms were seen moving towards the control force.

The Control force tried to tackle the agitators by using non-lethal weapon X26 Taser that utilizes compressed nitrogen to shoot two small probes up to 7 meters.

As the agitators grew violent, the control force used sting ball grenade, NL grenade and 40mm foam baton and rubber ball rounds to control the situation. A number of agitators were 'injured' while rest fled from the scene.