CTTC sees no signs of militant resurgence, surveillance continues

The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has said it has found no alarming signs of a resurgence in militancy in Bangladesh, but is maintaining round-the-clock surveillance to prevent any potential extremist activities.

The remarks come months after senior members of the interim government repeatedly said militancy no longer existed in the country. However, recent explosions and the recovery of suspected explosive devices in and around the capital have renewed concerns over possible extremist activity.

Speaking at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre today (27 July), CTTC chief and Additional Police Commissioner Mohammad Shamsul Haque said the unit was closely monitoring online platforms, social media, intelligence inputs and its database to detect potential threats.

Responding to questions about the government’s earlier claim that militancy no longer existed, Shamsul Haque said CTTC’s specialised units remained active in monitoring and preventing possible extremist activities.

“Whenever we receive information, we immediately conduct operations at the relevant location and take the necessary measures to address any potential threat,” he said.

Asked whether militancy was re-emerging in the country, the CTTC chief said it was too early to make such an assessment.

“So far, we have not observed any alarming signs that would indicate militancy is spreading again,” he said.

Referring to the suspected explosive device found inside an umbrella in Motijheel, Shamsul Haque said police immediately deployed the bomb disposal unit after receiving the information.

He said the incident remains under investigation and it would be premature to comment on those involved, their motive or any possible militant links before the probe is completed.

Replying to questions on the progress of ongoing extremism-related investigations, Shamsul Haque said updated arrest figures would be released later.

He, however, confirmed that seven people have been arrested in the widely discussed “Pata Combat” case, while several other suspects have been identified and charged.

He also said the principal accused has given a confessional statement before a court.

The CTTC chief added that the unit would continue technology-driven surveillance, intelligence gathering and data analysis while taking immediate action on any suspicious information or incidents.