Bangladesh announces reward for militants who return to normal life

Days after the Dhaka cafe siege and a terror attack on an Eid congregation, the Bangladesh forces conducted a search in Bogra in Rajshahi district to locate militant training camps and also announced Taka 10 lakh reward for any militant who would return to normal life.

The joint forces conducted searches in different areas of Dhunot and Sariakandi upazillas in Bogra in search of militant training camps.

Benazir Ahmed, Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), announced Tk 10 lakh reward on Monday for any activist of militant outfits who would return to normal life and give specific information about activities of militants.

He also announced that Tk 5 lakh will be given to anyone who provides specific information about activities of terrorist and militant groups.

RAB, Police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) -- paramilitary force -- conducted the anti-militancy drive, reported the Daily Star.

Ahmed said all the militants outfits operating in the country will be uprooted.

The drive in Bogra was initiated following information provided by Shariful Islam alias Shafiul Islam alias Saiful Islam, a suspect held in the Sholakia Eid congregation attack in Bangladesh on July 7.

Three machetes, three knives and six jihadi books were recovered during the three-hour drive conducted by the joint forces.

In a media briefing on Sunday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the government's priority is to find those who are instigating young men to engage in militancy.

Expressing her concern, Hasina said boys from well-off families are now getting involved in militant extremism.

"What's the reason behind it? Who are instigating them," she asked.

She stressed upon finding those who are supplying arms to young men and funding terror attacks.

She also said that the government has reached an understanding with India and the US over sharing of intelligence and assistance to combat terrorism.

The July 1 terror siege in a Dhaka cafe led to the death of 20 hostages, mostly foreigners, including one Indian.

--IANS

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