Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General (DG) Benazir Ahmed has said security measures have been increased in Dhaka in light of the terror attack in Christchurch, New Zealand.
“We are being very alert and cautious after the incident in New Zealand's Christchurch. RAB has increased patrols and other security measures in risky areas of Dhaka,” he said.
“We have succeeded in suppressing militancy in Bangladesh, but are still not satisfied. After the New Zealand incident, surveillance has been increased here to prevent extremism,” the RAB DG added.
The RAB chief made the comments while addressing reporters after a debate competition on preventing violent extremism, organized by Debate for Democracy at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday.
“Bangladesh is a country where people of all religions live in harmony. If needed, we will cooperate with New Zealand and provide any information we have on militants,” he said.
Regarding the misuse of technology and social media, the RAB chief said: “Do not trust everything you see on social media. Make sure you check the authenticity of information, and then you can believe it. Do not lend your ear to gossip.
“We have conducted TV campaigns to raise awareness of these rumours. We saw rumours like this being spread during elections. We have to stop such misuse of information technology.”
The RAB DG also requested that the Bangladesh Cricket Board demand increased security measures when the national team visits other countries, just as other countries did when their teams visited Bangladesh.
“The cricket boards of other countries place many demands on security issues when their teams are set to visit Bangladesh. They say they will not play if these requirements are not met. However, this has not happened in our case,” he said
“We need to adopt a stricter position on the security of our cricket team. We should not go if we are unsure of the team’s safety, just like cricket teams of other countries,” he said.
In the debate competition, Lalmatia Women's College emerged victorious after competing against Darunnazat Siddikia Kamil Madrasa. RAB DG Benazir Ahmed distributed crests to both the parties.