Dhaka Bureau: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed the RAB to take action against those traders who create an artificial crisis in the market of daily commodities during the holy month of Ramzan and manipulate the market situation. At the same time, he said to conduct an operation against dealers of fake notes in view of Eid.
He said these things at the organization’s 20th anniversary event at the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) headquarters in Kurmitola on Wednesday (March 6).
The Prime Minister said that Ramadan is the month of moderation. Moderation is emphasized. But we see that there are some unscrupulous businessmen who, instead of restraint, become more greedy. Stockpiling the products we need, raising prices, and various manipulations. Adequate action should be taken against these unscrupulous traders as well as smugglers.
At this time, he called for increasing vigilance and continuing operations to prevent the spread of counterfeit currency in view of Eid.
The supply of fake currency increases before Eid. Surveillance should be increased in those cases. Although the operation is going on, it should be continued.
Appreciating RAB’s role in combating militancy and terrorism, Sheikh Hasina said, I have announced that I will take zero tolerance against militancy and terrorism. I thank all the members of RAB who have played a brave role in various fields, risking their lives. They have played a special role in suppressing militancy, and for this, I sincerely thank all the members of RAB.
He said we dealt with an incident of militancy in the country immediately. That is the case with the artist. Since then, no major events have happened in our country. I appreciate the anti-militancy role of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, especially RAB.
“We had a lot of problems. Militancy, Terrorism, Illegal Arms, Drugs, Extremism, Piracy, and Forestry. One by one, we have achieved success in each case by taking action in some places and explaining in others. Today, the Sundarbans have been freed from bandits. We have taken measures to rehabilitate those who have surrendered.
Referring to the violence of extremists in the south-western region, the Prime Minister said, “We surrendered many people when we came to the government in 1996. Now, by surrendering everyone, we have provided a livelihood. Our law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and RAB have a special role in that regard.
Today, we have been able to improve the economy of the country, but this improvement has happened because we have been able to neutralize these activities properly. Arresting militant leaders, destroying their hideouts, or the way RAB has carried out operations after such incidents—today peace and relief have returned to our country. In the situation that arose, especially in the hilly areas, separatist and militant organizations were attempted. We have been able to take action there too.
Why should we engage in suicidal conflict within our own country? Our goal is to free people from this suicidal conflict. We are working on that. RAB has a role in this. RAB has been able to carry out operations in hilly areas and destroy terrorist networks with great success.
He said there are some natural disasters in our country; there are also man-made disasters. But unfortunately, organizations called our opposition also indulge in terrorist activities. How their role in the 2013 arson killed people. The son burned the truck in front of the father. People were burned to death by moving trains. The police beat him to death. Police hospital set on fire, judge’s house on fire—we have seen such horrific incidents happen. Law enforcement agencies, including RAB, were active in collecting video footage to deal with such incidents and arrest their culprits.
“Because of them, all this footage has become public. Otherwise, there is a tendency in this country to blame one person after any incident. For example, after the grenade attack on August 21, the Prime Minister who was at that time said that I had carried the grenade in my vanity bag. I’m going to commit suicide. Just like last year on October 28, attacks, terrorist activities, and arson were also done. That incident was also tried to be imposed on us. But now, with modern technology, CCTV footage has made it easier to identify the right people and bring them under the law.
Referring to America’s ban on some officers of RAB, he said, a big country suddenly imposed sanctions on RAB. Especially for many working with RAB DG. My question was, how are the sanctions on those who have worked to protect the country from militancy, terrorism, pirates, forest robbers, or to protect human rights? What is their crime?
If someone commits a crime, no one is above the law. Whoever he is from any organization, we have brought him under the law, and we will prosecute him and will do so in the future. It should be seen whether they are performing proper duties or not. It is never acceptable to us when they identify, catch, and take action against a criminal to provide security to the people of the country, and for that reason, another country comes and gives sanctions.
The Prime Minister said that many people were nervous at first. I said sanctions are never unilateral. We can also sanction if necessary. We have that right too. This country is ours. I brought freedom with blood. Those who opposed independence could not. There was an attempt to fight our war of liberation by sending the seventh fleet, but the American people did not allow it; they blocked it in court.
“I think there is nothing to be upset about when someone says something. You have to walk with self-respect. And it is our duty to preserve the rights of others; that duty must be properly fulfilled. People should be freed from terrorism. RAB is taking the proper role in this case. Only those who are criminals are not only being arrested but also being motivated to lead a normal life. A change is being brought about in people by implementing one program after another. So that people do not get involved with terrorism-drugs.’
Emphasizing the importance of training, he said that it should be conducted continuously so that capacity increases. And for this, the government will make all kinds of arrangements, including technical technology.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that RAB members will play a more responsible, effective, and active role in the future than in the past to provide security to the people.
