The police yesterday launched the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crimes (CTTC) unit, the latest move in the government’s effort to put down militancy and terrorism.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Monirul Islam will head the 611-member strong specialised unit, which will include an additional deputy inspector general-level officer, four police superintendents, ten additional superintendents and 20 assistant superintendents.
So far only Monirul has taken up his post. Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, the CTTC chief said no other official had yet joined the unit.
Personnel will be drawn from the ranks of the Detective Branch (DB) and intelligence units of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), and from among new recruits.
The CTTC will be headquartered in Dhaka’s Minto Road near DB HQ, sources said.
“CTTC will not investigate militancy-related cases filed in the courts. Our brief is to monitor terrorism,” Monirul said. “We will follow up, investigate and conduct research relating to militant groups and terrorism.”
Nurul Huda, a former inspector general of police, said forming the new unit was an effective decision. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said the unit, which initially will not be very large, will deal with cybercrimes, terrorism and militancy.