Dhaka, March 21 -- Military activity has intensified in Dhaka amid the ongoing nationwide crackdown by joint forces to maintain law and order.

From Friday morning, army personnel were seen patrolling key roads, setting up checkpoints, and conducting searches at a level higher than usual.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director Lt Col Sami Ud Dowla Chowdhury brushed aside concerns over increased deployment.

"This is part of the army's regular duties; no such thing as extra patrols or checkpoints," he said.

All through Friday, soldiers conducted searches and set up checkpoints in different areas including Rampura, Shantinagar, Kakrail, the National Press Club, Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Mohakhali, Bijoy Sharani, Gulshan, a...