Syed Ashraf for all-party anti-militancy committees

Anti-terrorism and militancy committees comprising public representatives from all political parties will be formed at grassroots level across the country, said Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam.

The committees, to be formed by the local administration, would be apolitical, he told journalists after coming out of the annual conference of Deputy Commissioners (DCs) on its third day.

“All the elected public representatives of the local government bodies irrespective of political identities will be members of the committees,” said Ashraf, also the ruling Awami League general secretary.

Asked about the BNP-Jamaat's representation on the committee, he said they also could be members of the committees.

About the inclusion of BNP-Jamaat men in the national unity against terrorism, AL spokesperson, however, said no decision had yet been made in this regard.

Responding to another query whether there is any lack of coordination between the deputy commissioners and the superintendents of police at the district level in maintaining law and order, Ashraf replied in the negative.

The SPs are dealing with law and order while the DCs are in leadership position, he added.

The minister said the DCs were asked to bring more dynamism to the local administration.

During a meeting between the DCs and the public administration ministry, its State Minister Ismat Ara Sadique asked the DCs to strictly monitor law and order so that militancy could not spread, sources said.

During DCs' meeting with the civil aviation and tourism ministry, they were asked to ensure adequate security measures for hotels and restaurants where foreigners stay.

The DCs were also asked to develop tourist-friendly special apps that can be attached to the Google Map and used in mobile phones. 

Talking to reporters, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon said Barisal Deputy Commissioner already developed such an app that can identify the potential tourism spots in Barisal.

"This is good news. Tourists, through the app, easily get to know about the tourism spots," he said.

The minister also said the inflow of tourists would not decline following the recent terror attacks in Bangladesh.