No militant activity currently in Bangladesh: Home minister

Home
Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said today there is currently no militant activity in
Bangladesh, dismissing concerns over the presence of such groups.
Speaking
to reporters at the Coast Guard headquarters after a programme marking its 31st
founding anniversary this afternoon, he said, “I do not recognise that term
(militancy). There is no such activity in our country.”
He added
that extremist elements exist in every country.
“There are always some extremist groups,
radical forces or fundamentalist political groups around the world -- we are
familiar with that,” he said.
The
minister further said the term “militancy” had been used during the “fascist
era” for political purposes.
“In the
current context of Bangladesh, there is nothing like that,” he said.
Bangladesh,
like other countries, has its own intelligence mechanisms within disciplined
forces, particularly in defence services, the home minister said.
“These
intelligence units monitor whether any member is involved in anti-state or other
unlawful activities. There are also coordinated forces and central vigilance
systems in place. If anyone is found involved, they are identified and dealt
with under military law. This is nothing new,” he added.
Regarding
a reported letter from Police Headquarters warning of possible militant
attacks, the minister said no such letter had been issued.
“However,
we always take precautionary measures during national occasions,” he added.
















