Bangladesh is currently one of the safest countries in the world, Director General (DG) of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Harun or Rashid said on Monday (1 July).
"There is no longer the level of militant activity we saw before the 2016 Holey Artisan terrorist attack, thanks to the operations by law enforcement agencies. Terrorism is now largely under control, and Bangladesh is now a safe country globally," said the RAB DG.
He made the comments after offering floral tributes at the Dipto Shopoth sculpture in Gulshan, Dhaka, in memory of the victims of the 2016 Holey Artisan terrorist attack.
The attack on Gulshan's Holey Artisan Bakery occurred on this day in 2016, resulting in the deaths of several foreign nationals and two police officers. Following the attack, RAB and police conducted operations based on intelligence reports, successfully dismantling numerous militant hideouts and bringing many militants to justice.
Harun or Rashid said, "Since its inception, RAB has been working against terrorism and extremism. RAB maintains surveillance on these issues and is now a modern and professional force. We have the capacity to ensure that terrorism and extremism will not rise again in this country."
In response to questions about the militant organisation Ansar Al Islam and the escape of militants from court custody, he said, "We are monitoring these matters closely. Last week, three militants were arrested in Chittagong. We are constantly vigilant about militant activities. Militants have previously tried to spread propaganda on social media and used the dark web. We are also monitoring these areas. We want to assure the public that terrorism and fundamentalism will never rise again in this country."
