Strict measures will be taken to curb terrorism in hills: Home adviser

The government would take tougher actions to curb extortion and terrorist activities in the hilly areas, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said today (3 April).

"We will take tougher actions to curb extortion and terrorism in the hilly areas," he said while briefing newsmen after inspecting various BGB camps and the overall law and order situation in Sajek, one of the popular tourist destinations in the country.

The home adviser said they will also take measures to curb illegal arms trading, stating that it is the main cause of terrorism and extortion in the hills.

"The main reason for all kinds of violence in the hilly areas is illegal arms trading. If illegal arms trading is not stopped, the problems will not be solved," he said.

Jahangir said the problems will be solved if the arms looted after the 5 August changeover are recovered.

The home adviser said the BGB camps are being increased in the hilly areas to prevent illegal arms smuggling along the borders and ensure security of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

"The Indian media is a champion in rumours. They are spreading falsehood against Bangladesh," he also said.

The home adviser urged journalists to remain vigilant against rumours and continue their efforts for the welfare of the country.

Highlighting the schemes taken for the overall development of the hilly areas, Jahangir said, "Development schemes should be designed with the aim of ensuring that the common people in remote hilly areas can get benefit from them."

CHT Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General (DG) Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, among others, were present.