Sheikh Hasina:”The government will not tolerate the killing of people through hurling petrol bombs and arson attacks.”


By Mizan Rahman/Dhaka

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday directed the law enforcement agencies, including elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), to work with utmost sincerity to eliminate terrorism as her government will not tolerate any terrorist act on Bangladesh soil.
She also stressed talking to neighbouring countries to check passport and currency forgery as international groups look involved in the criminal acts.
The prime minister was speaking at a function held to mark 11th founding anniversary of the RAB.
About BNP-Jamaat alliance’s subversive activities in the name of political programmes, Hasina reiterated that the government will not tolerate the killing of people through hurling petrol bombs and arson attacks. “We won’t tolerate these … all have to take tough steps against these. We’ll have to provide security to the people.”
She also directed the RAB, drawn from various forces, to perform their responsibilities maintaining the chain of command as well as the law, rules and policy of the elite force.
Hasina said the government will deal with extremism in Bangladesh with a strong hand although the activities of terror outfits are increasing in many parts of the world.
She expressed optimism that all the patriotic forces, including the RAB, would continue working shoulder to shoulder to maintain the law and order as well as ensure peace, stability and development of Bangladesh.
Stressing the need for coordination among the forces, the prime minister said they will have to make all-out efforts together in containing militancy, terrorism and all kinds of anti-social acts like smuggling and human trafficking.
Calling the RAB as the elite force in real sense, she mentioned that her government would do whatever necessary for its further modernisation and making it time-befitting one.
Praising the role of RAB in maintaining law and order with patriotism, sincerity, integrity and efficiency since its inception, the prime minister said the confidence and comfort have returned to the people of the country following its effective measures.
About the strong and courageous role of the elite force in containing subversive acts in the name of foiling the January 5 election, she said they dealt with the culprits with an iron hand and played a great role in restoring peace and order in the country, including south and southwestern regions.
They also rescued many kidnapped children and people and returned them to their families by arresting many hatred
criminals, she said.
Hasina is the country’s first head of the government who visited the RAB headquarters after its inception on March 26, 2006 during the BNP-Jamaat alliance government.