RAB: Don’t publish misleading news on militancy

RAB chief Benazir Ahmed made this suggestion to reporters at a briefing of law enforcement agencies at Kamalapur Railway Station. “Militancy is now an issue of interest for all. Everyone wants to know about it. But all information related to militancy should not be published soon after receiving it.” He said such information should be verified, otherwise the nation would be misled and left puzzled. Benazir also urged not to publish news that could help militants. “News that makes the law enforcement lose focus should also not be published,” he added. Claiming that RAB had been successful against militancy, the DG said his force had so far arrested 26 militants including four female members and their trainer this year. The militants were under pressure and they were losing their strength, he said. The DG said they were assessing how the militant groups – Jamaatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh (JMB), Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) and Hizb ut-Tahrir  –  would react under this pressure. All of them were under surveillance, he said. “Our focus is on the activities of the three organisations. They will be brought under legal action in time. “ Security had been strengthened throughout Bangladesh for the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, the official said. “Security in cattle markets, bus terminals and rail stations have been increased and temporary camps will be established at the ferry terminal,” Benazir said. “The country will go under a security blanket so that people can safely enjoy the festival,” he added. RAB would also keep an eye on cattle traders trying to occupy streets and causing traffic jam. In press release yesterday, the elite force said it had taken surveillance measures so that leather from the sacrificed cattle could not be smuggled. It will monitor the entrances and exit points from Dhaka and mobile check posts would be established inside. Plainclothes RAB members will also be deployed in the Eidgah and CCTV cameras will be installed at these places. The press release said mobile courts would conduct drives against contaminated food in the city.  RAB’s bomb disposal unit and dog squad unit would continue swiping operations at the stations.