Information and Broadcasting Adviser to the prime minister Dr Zahed Ur Rahman has said the government would not have issued an alert if there were no risks related to extremism in the country.
Referring to remarks by the home minister, he said there was little difference between their positions.
“The home minister also said that extremism or radicalism exists in the country. He may not have used the word ‘extremism’, but in substance there is no major difference. Whether you call it extremism or radicalism, there is a low-level or low-intensity threat. Otherwise, the government would not have issued an alert,” he said.
Dr Zahed added that the issue of extremism had often been exaggerated during the Awami League government and used to shape political narratives. At the same time, denying the existence of any form of extremism or radicalism is also unrealistic, he said.
“There has been some light-hearted discussion suggesting that I know more intelligence than the home minister. But the reality is that the government cannot always publicly disclose all information on sensitive security matters,” he said.
He added that the government is taking necessary steps to address the risks and will inform the public when required.
“Whenever there is an arrest or a significant development and the government deems it necessary, it will be communicated. The risks that were mentioned earlier have now reduced significantly and are continuing to decline. However, given the sensitivity of the issue, precautionary measures remain in place,” he said.
