Intelligence agencies working to prevent militants' rise: Home minister

Intelligence agencies of the country are working to prevent the rise of militants and their operations, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said yesterday.

"Police are making all-out efforts to arrest fugitive militants. We have managed to arrest many militants and we will definitely be able to arrest the fugitives soon," he said.

The home minister made the remarks while talking to reporters after attending a programme at Police Staff College on the occasion of Police Memorial Day-2023.

"We have not been able to eradicate militancy yet, but we have it under control. Our intelligence teams are working well, and that is why militancy is now under control," the minister said.

Replying to a question on the bomb threat at the just-concluded Ekushey Book Fair, the minister said, "We often receive such threats, and we take necessary action after thorough examination."

Asked about possible chaos over the next national election, he said, "Political parties become active ahead of elections. They get engaged in campaigns and other activities…Different political parties are active now. I think there is no reason to heat up the election-centric political situation."

Police Memorial Day is observed on 1 March in all metropolitan, range and district units of Bangladesh Police to commemorate police personnel who died while performing duties.

Replying to a query over the delay and harassment in providing compensation to the families of deceased police personnel, Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun said a proposal has been sent to the home ministry and a decision in this regard will come soon.