Fighting Terror: Precautions in place: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the intelligence and law enforcement agencies were on alert as attempts were underway to carry out terror attacks in Bangladesh.

“Many efforts are being made to conduct attacks in Bangladesh too. But our intelligence and law enforcement agencies are taking adequate precautionary measures,” she said.

The PM came up with remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of Bonolota Express, a non-stop intercity train service on Dhaka-Rajshahi route, through a videoconference from the Gono Bhaban.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is all smiles as she inaugurates a non-stop train service on the Dhaka-Rajshahi route via a video conference at the Gono Bhaban yesterday. Photo: BSS

The PM renewed her call to people to stay alert alongside the intelligence and law enforcement agencies against militant attacks.

“Not only the intelligence agencies, but also the country’s people will have to remain alert and immediately inform the law enforcement agencies after finding out those who are involved in terror and militant activities. Because, we want peace in the country,” she said.

The PM also urged imams across the country to deliver sermons against terrorism and militancy before Juma prayers.

“I want you all to speak up against militancy and terrorism, and highlight Islam as a religion of peace in the next Juma Khutba in every mosques across the country,” she said.

Hasina also called upon the people of the country, particularly guardians, teachers, public representatives, imams of mosques and clerics of different religions to stand collectively against any suspicious militant activity in their respective localities.

Noting that Islam is fully a religion of humanity and peace, she said those who conduct militant and terrorist activities in the name of Islam are giving a bad name to the holy religion across the world.

“So, those who are involved in such activities will have to remain away from these,” she said.

Hasina urged the imams across the country to pray for Bangladeshis, including the eight-year-old grandson of Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, and other people who were killed in recent terror attacks in Sri Lanka and New Zealand, after Juma prayers on next Friday.

“We lost Zayan Chowdhury. We don’t want to lose any more children in such attacks,” she said.