No immediate attack risk on key installations, surveillance continues: RAB

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) said it is aware of recent police headquarters instructions to tighten security at the National Parliament Building and other key installations over concerns of possible attacks by banned organisations. However, RAB said there is currently no immediate threat, though intelligence surveillance has been increased as a precaution.

At a briefing at the RAB Media Centre in Karwan Bazar, RAB-2 Commander Additional DIG Md Khalidul Haque Hawlader said all risks are being taken seriously, and necessary steps are in place.

“We are aware of the concern regarding possible attacks on important installations. Intelligence surveillance is being carried out to ensure their security,” he said.

He added that other law enforcement agencies are also involved in securing important installations. “We do not see any immediate threat, but deployments are maintained considering overall security risks,” he said.

Major operations and recoveries

Earlier in the briefing, RAB-2 Commander Md Khalidul Haque Hawlader said the unit is working to dismantle criminal groups in Mohammadpur and nearby areas.

Since 5 August 2024, RAB-2 has recovered around 115 locally and internationally made firearms. Of these, 14 looted from police stations on 5 August were later recovered and returned. Around 2,000 rounds of ammunition were also seized. In anti-narcotics drives, 1,273 individuals have been arrested.

On 27 April, acting on a tip-off, RAB-2 conducted raids in Shah Ali, Mohammadpur and Paltan, arresting six people. The operations recovered three foreign firearms, one local gun, 37 rounds of bullets, three crude weapons and around one lakh yaba tablets.

In Shah Ali, Fakhrul Ali Akand (65) was arrested with a foreign pistol linked to a weapon looted from Mirpur Model Police Station. He is an arms trader with cases including robbery preparation, murder and robbery.

In Mohammadpur, Abdus Rahman (42) was arrested with 7,000 yaba tablets and a foreign revolver. Another 1,000 tablets were recovered based on his information. In Chan Mia Housing, Noor Hossain (50) was arrested, and 94,000 yaba tablets were seized. Both face multiple drug cases.

Following their leads, RAB recovered a foreign pistol, magazines and 33 rounds of bullets from Fakirapool, Paltan, and arrested Monirul Islam alias Radar Monir (49), who faces drug, murder and attempted murder cases.

In another raid, RAB-2 arrested Al Amin and Noor Nabi from Mohammadpur with two machetes.

Crackdown continues on Juvie gangs

RAB-2 Commander said the force is conducting regular operations to maintain law and order in the capital and bring criminals under legal action.

Responding to a question on juvenile gangs, he said, “Since 5 August, RAB has arrested around 1,500 members of mugging and juvenile gangs from this area and brought them under legal action. Many of them have re-engaged in crime after being released. Some have been arrested two or three times. No matter how many times they offend, we will not spare criminals,” he added.