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Editorial

Anti-militancy drive in hills

Counter extremist ideologies, be vocal against terrorism


Bangladeshpost
Published : 24 Oct 2022 08:20 PM

Bandarban district administration on Sunday imposed a ban on tourist movement in Thanchi and Alikadam upazilas till October 30, as a security measure amid an ongoing drive against militants. It means tourists are currently banned in four of the seven upazilas of Bandarban due to the anti-militancy drive. Earlier on October 17, the administration imposed an indefinite ban on tourism at Ruma and Rowangchhari, which remains in effect.

From October 10, law enforcers started a joint drive against the underground militants and criminals in Bandarban. Reportedly, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested seven members of new militant outfit Jama'atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya and three of a separatist organisation from Bandarban and Rangamati on Thursday (20 October).

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s zero tolerance policy against terrorism has been hailed by the governments, intelligence agencies and media all over the world. Following the government’s zero tolerance policy against terrorism and drugs, over the last few years, law enforcing agencies have been trying to destroy militancy with an iron-hand by conducting countrywide anti-militant drives and so far their efforts deserve plaudits.

We all need to be vocal

 against terrorism and 

militancy to make the 

pertaining development 

sphere sustainable

Since the Holey Artisan attack, we have seen some strong anti-militancy campaign around the country to curb the growing risks of militant attacks. And thus Bangladesh has become a blazing instance to the rest of the world in curbing militancy and terrorism. However, a group with vested interests have always been trying to hinder the country’s progress and prosperity by carrying out militant activities. 

 It is clear that as long as militancy is an ideological paradox and there are anti liberation forces, it would be a challenge to wipe out militancy from this soil.  We all need to be vocal against terrorism and militancy to make the pertaining development sphere sustainable. We must work to free our society from the grip of drugs, terrorism and militancy. In a country that was founded on the values of secularism and tolerance, there can be no room for ideologies which spread hatred and violence.  At the same time, we must not forget that it is not enough to merely capture the militants which exist, but ensure that individuals are not radicalized in the future.