RAB DG warns against public suffering in name of movement

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman has said that no activities causing harassment to the general public or holding them hostage in the name of realizing demands or staging protests will be allowed.

He made the remarks to journalists on Friday after observing the overall law and order situation at the Central Shaheed Minar premises on the occasion of Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day.

The RAB chief said coordinated security arrangements have been put in place, including inner and outer security perimeters, sector-based patrols and striking reserve teams. Bomb disposal units, dog squads and surveillance through 64 CCTV cameras have also been deployed to ensure safety. Although there is no specific threat, Shahidur Rahman said full preparedness has been ensured and security has been strengthened for programs being held nationwide to mark the day.

Various events are taking place across the country to pay tribute to the language martyrs, and adequate measures have been taken to maintain order, he added. Referring to the recent national election, the RAB DG said authorities were able to present the nation with a free and fair vote. He expressed hope that the law and order situation would continue to improve gradually, enabling agencies to control crime more effectively.

"We want to firmly state that no activities causing public suffering in the name of demands or protests will be allowed," he said, adding that the force remains vigilant to prevent any deterioration of the law and order situation.