CTTC says ‘no reason for panic’

 
The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit has sought to ease public concern over a reported security alert, saying authorities are actively working on the intelligence behind it and there is no reason for panic.

On Saturday, Munshi Shahabuddin, head of the CTTC unit, said his team had received information on potential threats and that cyber intelligence units were currently analysing the inputs.

"We have received this information and CTTC Cyber Intelligence is working on it," he said at the DMP Media Centre.

He, however, did not identify any specific group or organisation suspected to be involved in the alleged threat.

However sources said that the team has identified two of the suspected planners. One them is them is Sylhet's Md Rahid Hossain Mahid and another is Md Rakib Hassan of Dhaka.

Reassuring the public, he said there was no need for alarm as security agencies were handling the matter. "There is no reason to panic. We are working on it, God willing, we will be able to face it," he added. 

His remarks came after police headquarters issued a confidential directive to unit chiefs, warning of possible attacks on key installations, including parliament and Shahbagh, and instructing enhanced security measures across the country.

The CTTC chief declined to provide operational details about ongoing security planning.

"This is part of our security planning. It is not something I should discuss publicly. We will act according to the plan and the locations mentioned," he said.

Asked whether those allegedly involved in any plot had been identified, the CTTC chief said investigations were ongoing and it was too early to comment. "We are working on it, so it is not the time to comment," he added. 

He further said he did not have specific information on any arrests linked to members of the armed forces, noting that he was aware only of publicly available information.

On whether there was an active militant threat in the country, he reiterated that agencies were monitoring the situation and would take action if any credible information emerged.