RAB monitoring to ensure cattle trucks not forced into specific markets

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has deployed special surveillance measures ahead of Eid-ul-Adha to ensure that livestock-laden vehicles are not forcibly diverted to specific marketplaces against the will of traders, the elite force's chief announced today (24 May).

RAB Director General (DG) and Additional IGP Md Ahsan Habib Palash disclosed the development to journalists at around 11:15am after concluding a comprehensive physical inspection of the Gabtoli cattle market in the capital.

The RAB chief stated that security measures have been intensified across the country, including the capital, to maintain a stable law-and-order situation during the festive rush.

Alongside other law enforcement agencies, the elite force has set up security checkpoints in various strategic areas across the country and activated dedicated operational control rooms inside the makeshift livestock markets.

To ensure the safe arrival of cattle traders at their destinations, RAB battalions are conducting robust patrolling within their respective jurisdictions, backed by targeted checkpoints in highly vulnerable and critical zones, DG Palash said.

The security chief highlighted that as urban populations temporarily deplete during the Eid holidays, livestock traders face an escalated risk of hijacking and extortion after selling their animals.

To mitigate this specific threat, RAB has significantly increased the number of its security outposts and volume of mobile patrols.

Furthermore, to minimise harassment and suffering for buyers inside the cattle markets, special monitoring is being maintained through localised control rooms and elevated watchtowers.

Concurrently, the elite force is encouraging the public to avoid carrying large volumes of hard currency by opting for cashless or card-based payment methods.

RAB has also prepared the necessary technical equipment to detect and prevent the circulation of counterfeit notes at the trading grounds, while maintaining active intelligence raids against counterfeit currency manufacturers.

Addressing digital security, the RAB director general warned that immediate legal action will be taken against individuals attempting to propagate rumours or misleading posts on social media platforms to disrupt public peace during the festival.

He reiterated that regular patrols, intelligence surveillance, and targeted operations will continue unabated to suppress any form of subversive activity or crime, ensuring national stability throughout the holiday period.