The Bangladesh Army started an investigation into "unpleasant" incidents that took place during the rescue operations after a Bangladesh Air Force aircraft crashed into Milestone School and College in the capital's Uttara on Monday, leaving 31 dead and scores more injured.
Allegations emerged that army personnel had been too heavy-handed in dispersing large swathes of bystanders, who were hindering rescue operations.
On Tuesday afternoon, the interim government expressed regret over the allegations of students being beaten, and said army authorities would be informed to take appropriate action.
Relating to that, the Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR) published a press release on Tuesday night, which read, "Bangladesh Army has started the investigation considering the seriousness of the incident. Necessary administrative action will be taken against those found guilty in the investigation."
It added that the Bangladesh Army is always committed to standing by the people and performing its duties with utmost sincerity and professionalism.
It also described the scenes leading up to the altercation.
The ISPR said a large crowd had gathered near the crash site, disrupting evacuation and rescue operations. Despite repeated requests from army personnel and volunteers of Milestone College, the crowd did not leave, hindering the evacuation process and raising the likelihood of more lives being lost.
These people, many emotionally-charged, continued to pose a severe obstruction to rescue operations.
"As a result, the people engaged in an altercation with the on duty army personnel creating an unpleasant incident at one stage," the release added.
"The army conducted the rescue operation with utmost sincerity and professionalism. At least 14 members of Bangladesh army fell ill during rescue operations and were admitted to Combined Military Hospital."
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