Tackle spread of militancy

With the directive to make an all-out effort to combat militancy and terrorism, the deputy commissioners returned to their work stations from the capital as the annual conference of the DCs ended yesterday.

Though the conference was supposed to give priority to their problems in implementing government decisions at the grassroots level, the issue of terrorism and militancy dominated the four-day conference that began in the capital on Tuesday.

"The government has directed us to take measures to check militancy. We will follow the directives sincerely," Md Billal Hossain, DC of Sirajganj, told this correspondent.

He said their first priority would be to form ward-level anti-terrorism committees which would include newly elected union parishad chairmen.

Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam said the main directives for the DCs were to create public awareness against militancy and engage people from all walks of life to fight terrorism.

The directives came in the wake of two militant attacks at Holey Artisan Bakery in the capital's Gulshan and near Sholakia Eid congregation in Kishoreganj early this month.

At the conference, the DCs demanded more power to punish offenders, and the authority to swear affidavits, similar to that of judicial magistrates.

The DCs insisted on amending the Mobile Court Act 2009 to empower them to punish an alleged wrongdoer even if he doesn't confess to the offence.

In this regard, photographs and audio-video clips should be allowed as pieces of evidence, they said.

The DCs also demanded that the maximum punishment of an offender be increased to four years' imprisonment from two years for offences that fall under the Mobile Court Act 2009.

But no decision was made regarding the demands.

The DCs also requested the government to take steps to fill the vacant posts as they are facing problems due to manpower shortage. 

They sought more cooperation from people's representatives to fight militancy and terrorism.

At the conference, the DCs were asked to increase surveillance at all educational institutions in their districts to prevent students from getting involved in militancy and inform the monitoring cell under the law ministry if public prosecutors don't properly assist court in trying militants.

They were asked to address border issues, implement the decision to ban three-wheelers on 22 highways and evict all illegal structures on roads and highways.

The DCs were also instructed to make sure that their family members stay with them at their official residences.

The DCs had prepared 336 proposals of which 288 were placed at the conference.

"The decision on the proposals will be made after scrutinising them," Cabinet Secretary Shafiul Alam said at a press conference at the cabinet division.

Talking to reporters after addressing the concluding ceremony of the conference, Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu said, “As employees of the republic, it is the constitutional duty of the DCs to play due role in curbing militancy and establishing good governance.”

Earlier at a meeting between the DCs and the high-ups of post and telecommunications ministry, it was decided that an individual would be allowed to get registered a maximum of five SIMs, instead of existing 20, against his national identity card.

GOVT DIRECTIVES

In the last four days, the DCs held meetings with the president, the prime minister, and all ministers and state ministers.

President Abdul Hamid asked the DCs to take all-out measures to root out terrorism and militancy.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed them to apply their full strength, talent and skills to tackle terrorism.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal directed the civil bureaucrats to cooperate with law enforcers to combat militancy and terrorism, and monitor the activities of anti-militancy committees in districts, thanas and unions.

Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid asked them to increase surveillance at all educational institutions in their districts to prevent students from getting involved in militancy.

He also told them to create awareness among teachers, students and guardians to resist militancy.

State Minister for Power Nasrul Hamid Bipu told them to ensure adequate security at all power plants, while Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam directed them to enhance security for key government installations.

Health Minister Mohammed Nasim asked them to take action against drug peddlers.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon instructed them to take proper security measures at airports, tourist spots, resorts, restaurants, and hotels where foreigners stay.

Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor asked them to arrange more cultural programmes to discourage the youths from choosing the wrong path.

Religious Affairs Minister Matiur Rahman told the DCs to help create a database of all mosques across the country, while Law Minister Anisul Huq asked them to inform the monitoring cell under the law ministry if public prosecutors don't properly assist court in trying militants.