Special Correspondent :
Strict measures will be taken against anyone involved in the robbery and arms looting of three banks in Bandarban.
The government will adopt a tough stance in response to terrorist activities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), as joint operations are underway in Bandarban’s hilly regions to restore peace and order.
Additionally, the government will thoroughly investigate any potential lapses in law enforcement or intelligence agencies.
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, as well as Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, made these statements while addressing reporters separately on Saturday.
Quader affirmed that joint operations are being conducted in Bandarban’s hilly areas to restore peace and order, confirming this during a programme at the Secretariat on Saturday.
He emphasised that the government is taking a firm stance against the sporadic disturbances in the area and elaborated on the complexities near the Myanmar border, specifically mentioning the state of Chin, where the KNF allegedly has a base.
Quader said, “Authorities are meticulously investigating the KNF’s rebel activities, with law enforcement engaged in concerted efforts to maintain stability.”
During another event in Bandarban, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal stated on Saturday that the government will adopt a tough approach in response to terrorist activities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), emphasising the need for immediate action.
He stated, “Bandarban has always been known for its peaceful environment. We are determined to identify those who are instigating or assisting the armed activities in the CHT,” following his visit to the site of a bank robbery in Ruma, Bandarban.
Earlier, a group of armed individuals affiliated with the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) carried out a series of attacks in Bandarban, Bangladesh, targeting governmental and financial institutions.
On Tuesday night, they first assaulted the Upazila Parishad office before proceeding to storm the Ruma Branch of Sonali Bank, where they abducted Manager Nizam Uddin.
The following day, their rampage continued as they vandalised branches of Sonali Bank and Krishi Bank in Thanchi Bazar, looting approximately Tk17.45 lakh from both banks’ counters and from those present, as reported by Thanchi Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Mamun.
Responding swiftly, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan visited the affected areas, including the Sonali Bank branch, mosque, and upazila parishad.
He personally assessed the security situation of the bank and gathered firsthand information about the incidents, issuing directives for necessary actions to be taken in the future.
Accompanying the minister were a delegation of 20 members, including the heads of police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar, and the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), along with local members of parliament.
In the wake of the attacks, Minister Khan convened a meeting with government officials at the Bandarban Circuit House, where he provided guidance on addressing concerns in the mountainous region and outlined future strategies to prevent such incidents.
Prior to the minister’s arrival, the entire Bandarban district was placed under heightened security measures to ensure the safety and security of its residents.
