Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) Chief and Additional Inspector General of Bangladesh Police SM Ruhul Amin on Saturday said militants might take advantage of differences between various political groups of the country.
"Militancy does not have much to do with elections. But, militants may want to create an unstable situation as we have unrest over elections. That is why we are cautious," he told reporters at the Police Lines School and College auditorium in the Dhaka.
Earlier, the ATU chief addressed a seminar titled “Role of teachers and students in preventing extremism, militancy and violent extremism” held at the same venue as the chief guest.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rangpur Range Police Md Abdul Baten presided over the event participated by teachers, students, guardians and officials and members of police forces.
Rangpur Police Training Centre DIG Commandant Basudeb Banik delivered a welcome speech.
Rangpur Metropolitan Police (RpMP) Commissioner Md Moniruzzaman presented the keynote essay in the seminar.
SM Ruhul Amin said: "We are all working together to eliminate militancy. I hope the militants will not be able to establish a base on the soil of Bangladesh."
He said a counter-terrorism unit has been established in every metropolitan area and district across the country to suppress and eradicate militancy.
"We have arranged training for each unit head and their associates. That training will begin this month. It will continue for the next three to four months," he said.
"Militancy is linked to poverty. Considering the history of extremism and militancy, its influence is greater in the northern region, especially the Rangpur division, which has experienced poverty in the past," he said.
While the northern region is affected, extremism and militancy are present throughout the country, especially in Dhaka's renowned private universities.
The ATU chief said: "Currently militants are very active in the virtual world. We are trying to control and monitor through cyber patrolling. It is not possible to suppress and eradicate militancy without public cooperation."
"That is why I have undertaken other activities including arranging seminars on the role of teachers and students in preventing extremism, militancy and violent extremism with the public," he added.
