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Banglasdesh army says coup by 'fanatic officers' foiled Bangladesh army says coup by 'fanatic officers' foiled
(40 minutes later)
The Bangladesh army says it has foiled a coup planned against the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.The Bangladesh army says it has foiled a coup planned against the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Military spokesman Masud Razzaq said in a statement that the attempt had been thwarted by the "whole-hearted efforts of army soldiers".Military spokesman Masud Razzaq said in a statement that the attempt had been thwarted by the "whole-hearted efforts of army soldiers".
He said the officers planning the coup were in active military service and had "extreme religious views".He said the officers planning the coup were in active military service and had "extreme religious views".
Bangladesh has a history of coups, with the army running the impoverished country for 15 years until 1990. Bangladesh has a history of military governments, with the army running the country for 15 years until 1990.
Sheikh Hasina took over power from a military-backed caretaker government in early 2009 and officials say she has since then faced threats from Islamist and other radical groups. Sheikh Hasina took over power from a military-backed caretaker government in early 2009. Officials say she has since faced threats from Islamists and other radical groups.
A revolt staged by the country's paramilitary forces soon after she took office began in Dhaka and spread to other cities. More than 70 people were killed, including 51 army officers, before it was crushed. 'Heinous conspiracy'
"A band of fanatic officers had been trying to oust the politically established government. Their attempt has been foiled," Brig Gen Razzaq said.
He said that "specific information has been unearthed" that some officers in military service - who had been identified - were involved in the December conspiracy.
He said that a group of up to 16 hardline Islamic military officers - including at least two retired officers - were involved.
Some had been detained, he said, and would be presented before a military court.
Brig Gen Razzaq said that the "heinous conspiracy" was instigated by Bangladeshi conspirators living abroad.
In 2009, Bangladeshi paramilitary forces staged a revolt soon after Sheikh Hasina took office. It began in Dhaka and spread to other cities.
More than 70 people were killed, including 51 army officers, before it was crushed.