The media and the terrorists

Our media needs to develop a coterie of journalists with skills to evaluate and analyse issues related to terrorism. ColorBlind Images

WE are being constantly kept up-to-date by the media about the regrouping and resurgence of the homegrown terrorist groups in the country. Apparently, most of these are based on interrogation of terrorists apprehended from time to time.
Many of these are of course in-depth reports, obviously, from information sifted by the agencies and subsequently provided to the media. But some of the reports, it would appear from the substance, perhaps need further verification and analysis to establish their veracity.
While we should be thankful to the media for keeping the public informed about the terrorists, at this point it may be appropriate to dwell a bit on the way information regarding terror groups and their activities is presented in Bangladesh.
It goes without saying that the role of the media is a very important adjunct in the fight against terrorism. And the media must be taken on board fully by the agencies, more so when sensitive information is disseminated, to ensure that while the idea is to keep the public informed, it does not mislead, create alarm or help the cause of the terrorists.
Whereas, for the general readers, what they come across in the print and electronic media may convey different senses at different times. For those that want to have the benefit of more detailed information, such reports are of very little help. For example, take the reports of the regrouping of the JMB or Huji (B) that have appeared in the past weeks.
It does not need an expert to say that for the extremist groups regrouping is a constant process, particularly after suffering reversals, as had happened to the JMB and Huji (B) with the arrest and subsequent execution of their senior leaders in 2006, and because of the arrests of a large number of their cadres and mid ranking leaders from time to time since then.
Apparently, a lot of energy, money and time have been invested in these groups by their local and foreign sponsors, and setbacks are something that is factored in, in their structure. And ideology-based groups have long-term objectives which such hindrances may not necessarily be able to derail.
Nothing more specific can be provided by the media in this regard than what we have already come across lately, understandably so, nor can the agencies reveal anything more for the sake of operational confidentiality, since that might compromise state interest and hinder further action.
But from reading some of the reports one cannot but feel that some of us are prone to let our imagination fly. Information shouldn't be taken at face value; it must be evaluated before being made public. And care must be exercised that it doesn't create panic.
A case in point here is the report that one came across regarding the capability of the JMB to arm itself, in particular the news in a Bangla daily regarding its capacity to manufacture anti-tank weapons. The news implies that the extremist group has set up a weapon factory of sorts for this purpose. That account is derived from the statement of none other than that of the JMB chief Sayedur Rahman.
Obviously, that information has neither been verified nor analysed by the reporter, to ascertain either its possibility or probability. And in all fairness to the agencies, and also to the readers, a report, startling as that might be, should have its authenticity established, before being made public.
I for one have difficulty in accepting the substance of the news. I cannot for one moment believe that a terrorist organisation, that employs terrorism primarily as a tactical expedient, would encumber itself by a logistical problem, which establishing a weapon factory certainly is.
When it is less of a hassle, and relatively safer, to smuggle in weapons and ammunition, it is highly irrational to go for such an option. And manufacturing of rocket launchers, or indeed of any sophisticated piece of kit, requires precision tools, and the even more difficult bit is getting the raw materials for the weapons and ammunition.
And when safety and security are essential for the survival of the terrorists, that involves shifting of camps and temporary bases from time to time, it makes no sense at all to get bogged down with permanent establishments. I have not heard of any mobile arms factory as yet.
However, in the context of security, and in particular of terrorism, not all reports can be verified before they are passed on, because of the imperatives of safety and security, and because countermeasures need to be put in place immediately.
And if the intelligence turns out to be false, having in place the preemptive measures does no one any harm. And here the case in point is the report appearing in some of our newspapers regarding a Huji plan to target our Deputy High Commission in Kolkata.
What our media need is to develop a coterie of journalists with skills to evaluate and analyse issues related to terrorism. That would make the terrorism-related reports more wholesome and actionable.

Brig Gen Shahedul Anam Khan ndc, psc (Retd) is Editor, Defence & Strategic Affairs, The Daily Star.