State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal yesterday said the law enforcers and intelligence agencies were preparing the lists of the accused and suspects for the killing of seven people in Narayanganj.
“After investigation, the names of the accused and suspects will be included in the case whether their names are mentioned in the first information report, filed with the local police stations, or not,” he told reporters at his office.
He said his ministry had already instructed the border guard and airport authorities to stay alert so that the suspected perpetrators and accused in the case cannot leave the country. They had taken necessary measures in this regard, he added.
In reply to a query whether the government thinks the killers are still in the country, Khan said, “We are not sure about their whereabouts. The law enforcers will arrest them if they can know their whereabouts. But we are trying to arrest them. We hope they will be arrested soon.”
“The investigation into the incident continues. We will take stern action against those to be found guilty,” the state minister said. He added: “No one involved with the incident would be spared. They would be brought to book.”
Admitting that the incidents of abductions spread across the country, he said, “The law enforcers are striving to immediately rescue the victims. Almost all the victims were rescued alive except for the seven victims in Narayanganj. The government has taken strong stance against the killers as it is unexpected.”
About forced retirement of three army and naval officers, the state minister said, “We are trying to find out the hidden criminals of the elite force. We have already punished several officials of the force for their offence. The rests will also be punished as they have tarnished the image of the force.”
He, however, said the government had no plan to disband the RAB even after an allegation raised against it for the abduction and killing in Narayanganj.
He said, “The RAB was formed with an aim to take quick action against the criminals and the force is doing its duty as per the laws and expectations. How will we take quick action if the force is disbanded? So, there is no reason to disband the force.”