Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General Chowdhury Abdullah Al- Mamun on Tuesday said there is no space for militancy in Bangladesh
“The anti-crime forces arrested 2,500 militants since its inception as we are one step ahead of them,” he said while briefing reporters on the law-and-order situation at RAB headquarters.
Mamun said 16 militants so far have voluntarily surrendered to the RAB, adding that those who surrendered have been rehabilitated through de-radicalization. If militants surrender in the future, they will be rehabilitated.
The RAB chief said: “The way we are working against militancy, this menace will not exist on the soil of Bangladesh. RAB arrested 1,500 militants after the Holey Artisan attack alone.”
He also said that the anti-militant operations are ongoing and will continue in the future as well.
Referring to the attack on Holey Artisan Bakery, Mamun said on the night of July 1, 2016, nine assailants opened fire on Holey Artisan Bakery located in Gulshan. They blasted bombs and took dozens of people hostage. During the attack four police officers were killed while chasing militants.
Replying to a question on militants’ attacking capacity, he said: “Based on our intelligence report, we think militants are incapable of carrying out any major attack.”
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“Not only conducting anti-militant operations, RAB also holds anti-militancy campaigns and rallies across the country. Besides, initiatives were taken to eradicate militancy and make misguided militants surrender,” he added.
Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun said patrons of juvenile gangs will not be spared, adding that juvenile delinquency is on the rise. “They are also involved in violent and brutal crimes like murder. To save the next generation, it is necessary to pull the reins of juvenile gang culture now.”
Mamun further said RAB is working to prevent juvenile delinquency. “RAB is conducting a tough campaign against juvenile gangs. Those who are allowing teenagers into gangs will not be spared. We will all work together to eliminate such gangs,” he added.
About drugs, the RAB DG said: “Recently, we are observing some unconventional drugs. We have arrested them. In the meantime, RAB has arrested more than 46,000 drug dealers.”
“Some sabotage was planned on the occasion of the golden jubilee of independence. There were anti-state activities too. We have arrested those involved. Those who carry out such activities will not be spared,” he warned.
Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun said RAB has gained the trust and love of people through providing food aid to unemployed, helpless and destitute people and distributing safety equipment and emergency services to sick patients where necessary and carrying out other humanitarian activities during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said that Lieutenant Colonel Azad was martyred in the next militant operation of Holey Artisan. He prayed forgiveness for the souls of Lt Col Azad and all the patriotic, fearless RAB members who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
The RAB chief extended his deepest sympathy and condolences to their families.
He also expressed special gratitude to the doctors, nurses, journalists, members of the law enforcement agencies, public representatives and other professionals who have been working for the country and humanity in the fight against the deadly coronavirus.
