Law enforcers neutralised terror risk post-Sri Lanka attack
CTTC chief says
The impact of carnage in New Zealand and Sri Lanka raised the risk of terrorist attack in Bangladesh; however, law enforcers have managed to neutralise that, Monirul Islam, chief of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan police (DMP), claimed yesterday.
He said terror-related activity cannot be foiled through implementing law alone, rather it needs a comprehensive strategy and awareness in all levels of society.
“The risk [of terror attack] was higher during Ramadan, [and] we have neutralised it,” Monirul said in his speech as chief guest at a prize-giving ceremony for winners of a debate competition on anti-terrorism at Lalmatia Women’s College.
Debate for Democracy (DFD) organised the competition in association with SAMPREETI, a project of Manusher Jonno Foundation.
Sixteen colleges and madrasas participated in the competition. Lalmatia Women’s College won the champion’s trophy. Tamirul Millat Madrasa secured the runner-up and Government Bangla College earned the third position.
Monirul also spoke of how misinterpretation -- propagated on internet -- of religion, especially Islam, is misguiding the youth towards militancy.
“The actual teachings of the religion have to be disseminated among them. As some people are committing this [terrorism] in the name of Islam, they [the youth] must have actual knowledge of the religion. Such violence has no relation to it,” he said.
Stressing on the importance of debate, he said, “Helping students score ‘Golden A+’ is not the only duty of the teachers, they should also encourage students to be logical and mindful.”
Referring to the tradition of coexistence of different religions in Bangladesh, Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, chairman of DFD, said, “Arrangement of dialogue among religious leaders at regional and national levels is urgent.”
Kiron also handed over a cheque worth Tk one lakh to the principal of Lalmatia Women’s College, Prof Rafiqul Islam, on behalf of DFD.
At the end of the programme, top three winning teams were handed over crests and certificates.