Special anti-terrorism unit is indispensable
And in the context of the seriousness of the terrorist threat looming over the country, we are confident that people or taxpayers would not mind paying for the upkeep of such a force considering the same as a sacrifice for their collective well being and
in the greater national interest
Sir,
The brutal killings of freethinking people and bloggers, the Italian and the Japanese citizens, killing of muezzin at Shia mosque in Bogra and the attacks on church officials show that terrorists are having a free-run in the country. Their heinous activities are spreading panic. In the circumstances, formation of an anti-terrorism unit is the demand of the time. This specialized force will resist the increasing number of terrorist activities that are occurring in different places in the country, including the capital city, recently. There is no more time for foot-dragging. The government should actively consider formation of this force immediately.
One may say that increasing of the number of law enforcement bodies by yet another, may not be a cost-efficient move. Rather they may say that making the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) stronger can be a better alternative. They forget that RAB is now spread thin over a large number of tasks. They have to engage often in ordinary policing duties, in controlling mob violence, in escorting VIPs. And it must be noted that RAB was not set up and its members trained for engaging with international terrorism and their networks which is an entirely new ball game. Local terrorism with its external linkages has created an extraordinary situation when we need a highly motivated, specially trained, appropriately or logistically equipped special force to be able to combat terrorism effectively.
Police, RAB and BGB are engaged in maintaining law and order in the country. Had there been no terrorist activities magnitude of which has triggered great insecurity in the country, their services would have been enough. But the situation has come to such a pass that the existing forces are not enough and it warrants formation of a specially trained force that will mainly deal with terrorists who are out to destabilize the country.
Formation of this special force with the members of the police will not be enough. Members of the Armed Forces, RAB , professional persons in diverse fields should be included. Tackling terrorism today requires drawing expertise from many areas ranging from money laundering to cyber crimes. Thus, members of this force will not only be equipped with skills in terms of physical prowess, they should be clever enough to deal with situations psychologically or be well versed even in psychological warfare. All such varied talents will have to be drawn to this elite ant-terrorism unit. Many developed countries have such all round competent forces.
If needed, members of this force may be sent abroad in phases for receiving training. Foreign anti-terrorism experts may also be hired for imparting training to the members of this force. There is no alternative to formation of such a force in the interest of security of life and property, for the well-being of the national economy and the overall security of the country.
Abdur Rahim
Uttara, Dhaka
