Home minister smells ‘big fish’ in Atia Mahal

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan today voiced suspicion that top militant leader might be inside Atia Mahal, where the army is carrying out “Operation Twilight”.

“The operation is still underway. Nothing can be ascertained till it ends. But it seems that there might be a top militant leader,” he said, without naming any militant outfit.

READ MORE: 2 militants killed, Sylhet raid to linger: Army

The minister came up with the assumption while responding to reporters’ queries after paying his tributes to the Liberation War martyrs from Bangladesh Police at Rajarbagh Police Lines in Dhaka.

Denying the allegation of existence of Islamic State (IS) militants in the country’s territory, Kamal said: “We are yet to trace anyone here who belongs to the IS.”

READ MORE: Sec 144 clamped near Atia Mahal

“We always say that militancy is not uprooted yet, but it’s under our control,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, at least two militants were killed in “Operation Twilight” in the follow up to Sylhet raid, which has been going on for over 50 hours since Friday. The operation will take more time to complete, according to army.