'Shootouts' occur due to self-defence
The chief of Rapid Action Battalion has denied all allegations of extra-judicial killings by Rab members saying the law enforcers often have to indulge in "shootout" for self-defence.
Rab members are often get involved in gunfights with criminals for either self-defence or resisting attackers, Rab Director General Hassan Mahmood Khandker said at a view-exchange meeting with journalists at the Rab headquarters in the capital's Uttara yesterday.
More than 800 people were killed in shootouts involving Rab and police. Of them, 500 were killed by Rab since its inception in 2004.
In reply to a query, the Rab DG claimed that they stormed the residence of BNP leader Mirza Abbas following a government directive.
The Rab chief hinted that a vested quarter is responsible for the recent labour unrest in the garment sector.
He also claimed that an "external force" might be involved in creating the unrest to destroy the garment industry.
The Rab DG said they would take necessary measures to ensure public security during the Ramadan.
Law enforcers would increase patrols in and around the markets and other important establishments across the country, the Rab chief said.
Plain-clothes policemen would stand guard at bus, launch and railway stations and ticket counters to prevent extortion and other crimes.
He said Rab arrested 13,500 people including 50 militants, 16 members of outlawed parties, 560 extortionists, 125 counterfeit currency makers and 130 stalkers in the last seven months.
Comments