Staff Reporter:
Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Thursday that law enforcement agencies have been given strict instructions to curb extortion in the Chattogram Hill Tracts.
“We are taking steps to prevent extortion in the hilly areas, with our adviser on the concerned area being fully aware and active in this regard. No extortionist will be spared, irrespective of their background,” said the adviser while addressing a press briefing at the Rangamati Sector Headquarters of the Bangladesh Border Guard, following visits to the BGB Baghaihat Battalion and Sajek BOP.
The home adviser also mentioned that the arms looted from police stations after the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government on 5 August have yet to be recovered.
“Had the arms been recovered, concerns regarding the law and order situation could have been addressed,” the adviser said, emphasising the importance of ending the use of arms in both the plains and the hilly regions.
He noted that efforts are underway to increase logistical support and strengthen the law and order forces.
In reference to rumours against Bangladesh in Indian media outlets, the home adviser remarked, “India is the world champion when it comes to spreading lies. They have several media outlets dedicated to spreading rumours about Bangladesh.”
Jahangir Alam called on the Bangladeshi media to counter India’s rumours by presenting accurate and truthful news.
Chattogram Hill Tracts Adviser Supradip Chakma, BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, and others were present at the briefing.
