No alarming signs of extremism in Bangladesh

The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) Chief and DMP Additional Commissioner Mohammad Shamsul Haque has said there are currently no alarming signs of a resurgence of extremism in Bangladesh, although law enforcement agencies continue round-the-clock surveillance to prevent any potential threat.

Speaking at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Monday, CTTC Chief Shamsul Haque said security agencies are closely monitoring suspected extremist activities through online platforms, social media, intelligence reports and their own databases.

He said law enforcement agencies immediately launch operations whenever they receive any information related to extremist activities.

Replying to a question on whether recent incidents, including explosions in Keraniganj and the recovery of a bomb-like object in Motijheel, point to renewed extremist activity, Shamsul Haque said authorities have been maintaining constant surveillance.

“We have been continuously monitoring extremism through online platforms, social media, our database and intelligence information. Whenever we receive any information, we immediately conduct operations.
We are keeping these issues under control and making our highest efforts,” he said.

When asked if extremism was showing signs of making a comeback, the CTTC chief said there was no reason to draw such a conclusion at this stage.

“We are not seeing any alarming signs of that nature in the country at the moment,” he said.

Regarding the bomb-like object recovered in Motijheel, he said police responded promptly by sending the bomb disposal unit to the scene.

He added that the Motijheel Division is investigating the incident and that it would be inappropriate to comment on those involved or their motives before the investigation is complete.

Responding to another question about arrests and the progress of militancy-related cases, the CTTC chief said detailed information on arrests would be shared later.