Bangladesh
Pirates | Sundarbans If any pirates go astray again, the security forces will not sit still: Home Minister
Dhaka, November 2: Warning surrendered pirates, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said on Monday that law enforcement will not sit idle if the former decide to go astray.
He said, "Those who are thinking of evil, forget it. If anyone goes astray again, our security forces will not be sitting still. Our RAB, BGB, police, coast guard are very smart. They are capable of facing any challenge."
He was speaking as the chief guest on the occasion of the third anniversary of the bandit-free Sundarbans Day and rehabilitation of surrendered persons at Rampal in Bagerhat on Monday (November 1).
Presided over by Director General (DG) of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Additional IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the Home Minister said, "The Prime Minister is always on the lookout for surrendered pirates. How are those who have surrendered after leaving piracy in the Sundarbans now? She also wanted to know if they have been rehabilitated. Initiatives have been taken to rehabilitate you. The demand was to withdraw the case. Apart from rape and murder cases, all other cases will be withdrawn in phases."
"The surrendering pirates brought the case papers. We will see to it that lawyers can fight cases with government grants. We will make arrangements to withdraw the case. I have promised in consultation with the Prime Minister," he said.
The minister said that from Patuakhali to Satkhira and Bagerhat areas people could not stay at home due to pirates, they were detained, ransom was demanded, robbery was done, robbery was forced. Honey collectors are also not exempt. Today that picture has changed. Everything has been resolved. The Sundarbans is free of bandits today.
Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal further said that efforts are underway to set up permanent RAB camps to ensure security in the Sundarbans. If a pirate thinks that he will do pirate again, his dream will be shattered.
He said the mayor of Khulna had said that imported goods were being lost in and around Mongla port. The coastguard here is being strengthened. Khulna Coast Guard will look into the matter. If necessary, there is a DIG of the naval police, he will also see. But we don't want to see any more robberies on the river or on the coast.
