Militants can’t penetrate into Rohingyas: IGP

Bangladesh Police today ruled out any possibility of militant groups penetrating among the vulnerable population of Rohingya refugees sheltered.

"Our agents are alert on the ground so that the militants can't infiltrate and provoke militancy among the Rohingyas," police chief AKM Shahidul Hoque said.

At a briefing in police headquarters, he said the lawmen were alert to thwart any such effort in disguise of aid distribution. "The locals and Rohingyas are being made aware of it".

According to him, the relief distributors have to go through the local administration office and accompany an officer during distribution. Also, aid materials were being frisked.

"I don't think any ill motivated effort to propagate militancy is possible," he said. "Bangladesh won't allow its soil to be used as a breeding ground for militants."

'Curb on Rohingya movement needed'

The inspector general of police (IGP) also stressed on the need of restricting the movement of Rohingya refugees and said it was for "their own good".

"If they fan out, they will become illegal immigrants and we will be forced to arrest them. They need to be registered so that they get the proper assistance," he said.

Police arrested over 200 Rohingya refugees from all across the country, he said. "We did not detain them, instead, returned them to Rohingya camps out of humanitarian consideration."

During the briefing of law and order situation, the IGP also spoke of heightened security measures taken to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration of Durga Puja and Muharram.