Agencies blasted for poor show
The high-powered government committee on militancy resistance and prevention yesterday blasted different departments and agencies concerned for failing to perform their task of combating militancy by creating public awareness.
They were tasked with carrying out massive anti-militancy campaigns across the country to prevent terrorism.
The committee at its third meeting at the home ministry expressed utter dissatisfaction that the Department of Films and Publications (DFP) did not take any steps to publish or air anti-militancy programmes, documentaries, short films and advertisements in the last four months. The committee had earlier asked the DFP, which is under the information ministry, to take immediate measurers to this end.
The meeting expressed disappointment that the education ministry did not even inform the committee about the outcome of its efforts to create awareness among the teachers and students through anti-militancy rallies at all government schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions. The committee had earlier sent a letter to the ministry in this regard, sources said.
The committee however expressed satisfaction at the performance of police and Rab in tackling militancy.
Meeting sources said 1,925 militants have been arrested in the last four months, of whom 1,324 are JMB activists.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, State Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku said they have sent a letter to the religious affairs ministry urging it to ensure that imams of mosques across the country make anti-militancy statements in the light of Quran and Hadith after 'khutba' at Juma prayers. Besides, initiatives have been taken to motivate people against militancy at religious rallies and discussions in the coming winter, he added.
Tuku said the government is also considering inclusion of anti-militancy write-ups, essays and poems in textbooks, and a letter in this regard has been issued to the education ministry.
The meeting chaired by the state minister expressed concern that many militants are going abroad after having passports, and getting involved in militancy tarnishing the image of the country. It urged the authorities concerned not to issue passports to militants.
Tuku said the government would gradually ban some more organisations linked to militancy, and the activities of several organisations are being keenly watched by the law enforcement agencies.
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