Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday instructed the home ministry and the intelligence agencies to root out the Islamist militants, their hideouts and subversive activities. She also decided in principle to set up an additional bench at the High Court to ensure speedy trial of cases on subversive acts, highly placed sources said. Khaleda held several rounds of meetings with officials of home ministry, police and intelligence agencies yesterday and asked them to take strong actions against all activities in the name of jihad. The prime minister said those who have been creating anarchy in the name of religion are the enemies of the nation and the country, adding all of them will be punished. These extremists must not be bailed out, she told police officials during a meeting at the International Conference Centre at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). | So far it sounds like she means business |
Khaleda instructed the law enforcers to arrest anyone involved in crime, even if he belongs to a ruling party. She also warned that any misuse of power and corruption by police will not be tolerated. The prime minister observed, with an improvement in law and order scenario, the country's image will improve and foreign investment will increase. State Minister for Home Lutfozzaman Babar, Inspector General of Police Ashraful Huda and high officials of different intelligence agencies were among those who met the prime minister yesterday. Khaleda also asked the paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), Armed Police Battalion and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) to keep a close watch on their areas of operations. A highly placed source at the home ministry said intelligence networks have been strengthened across the country and special teams of BDR and police have been put on standby in all districts, prepared to strike quickly upon information on any secret congregation. | She praised the RAB (aka Crossfire Gang) earlier this week for their good work. Guess we can look forward to more "unfortunate incidents" of people being shot during "encounters". |
|