RAB’s unyielding struggle in opposition to terrorism and making certain nationwide safety

On June 1, 2024, in a press release addressing the state of terrorism and fundamentalism in Bangladesh, RAB Director Normal Md Harun-Ar-Rashid confidently asserted that there would by no means be a resurgence of those threats within the nation. This declaration got here throughout a tribute to those that misplaced their lives within the terrorist assault at Holey Artisan Bakery eight years in the past. Mr. Harun emphasised that Bangladesh is now one of many most secure international locations on this planet, a testomony to the relentless efforts of the Fast Motion Battalion (RAB) and different safety forces in combating terrorism.

Reflecting on Bangladesh’s success in combating terrorism, Md Harun-Ar-Rashid, an extra inspector basic of police, offered an in depth account of the occasions following the tragic assault at Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan on July 1, 2016. The assault resulted within the deaths of two law enforcement officials and several other overseas nationals, marking a darkish day within the nation’s historical past. In response, RAB and the police launched intensive operations primarily based on intelligence data, focusing on terrorist hideouts. These operations have been profitable in dismantling quite a few terrorist strongholds, resulting in the arrest and prosecution of many terrorists.

“Terrorism is now largely below management. Bangladesh is now a protected nation,” DG Harun-Ar-Rashid declared, underscoring the efficient measures taken by RAB and different safety forces. Since its inception in 2004, RAB has been on the forefront of the struggle in opposition to terrorism and extremism. Mr. Harun emphasised that the drive’s capabilities and steady efforts be certain that terrorism and extremism won’t resurface within the nation.

Mr. Harun’s assertion additionally marked his latest appointment because the director basic of RAB, efficient June 5, succeeding former RAB chief M Khurshid Hossain, who retired. Mr. Harun’s intensive profession in regulation enforcement started as an assistant superintendent of police from the fifteenth BCS batch in 1995. Over time, he has served in numerous important roles, together with as deputy inspector basic of the Mymensingh vary in 2019. His tutorial credentials embody an MSc diploma from Dhaka College’s statistics division, an LLB from the College of London, and an MBA from Dhaka College.

In a parallel improvement, Col Abdullah Al Momen has assumed the function of Extra Director Normal (ADG, Operations) of RAB, changing Col Mahabub Alam. Col Momen, who beforehand served within the Directorate Normal of Protection Intelligence (DGFI), brings a wealth of expertise to his new place. His tenure in RAB consists of roles such because the Commanding Officer of RAB-1, the place he demonstrated distinctive management and operational abilities. Promoted from Lt. Colonel to Colonel final yr, Col Momen returned to the Bangladesh Military after a profitable stint with RAB.

Col Momen’s distinguished profession is marked by quite a few accolades, together with the Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM) and President’s Police Medal (PPM), recognizing his skilled excellence and contributions. His service report additionally features a commendable tenure within the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the place he exhibited excellent management and compassion. Notably, in 2018, whereas serving because the commander of the forty sixth BGB battalion, he personally drove an ambulance to save lots of a colleague’s life, an act that earned him widespread admiration. Commissioned within the 36 BM Lengthy Course Military Infantry Corps in 1997, Col Momen has served in numerous vital positions throughout the military and took part in peacekeeping missions in Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The appointments of Md Harun-Ar-Rashid and Col Abdullah Al Momen are seen as strategic strikes by the ruling Awami League authorities to strengthen the warfare in opposition to corruption and improve nationwide safety. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s authorities has been steadfast in its stance in opposition to corruption, initiating important reshuffles inside elite forces like RAB to inject contemporary dynamism into the nation’s economic system. These appointments are harking back to the Prime Minister’s 2009 pledge to do away with terrorism and militancy from Bangladesh, a marketing campaign that noticed RAB play a pivotal function in disassembling terrorist strongholds and making certain nationwide safety.

RAB’s historical past of successfully combating terrorism and militancy underscores its functionality and dedication. In the course of the earlier operation, RAB’s efforts have been instrumental in destroying terrorist and militant strongholds, contributing considerably to nationwide safety. The drive’s skill to function with integrity, dedication, and duty has been pivotal in sustaining neutrality and taking efficient measures in coordination with different related departments.

At present, RAB can also be engaged in very important operations to suppress terrorist actions within the hill tracts areas and the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar. The drive has been instrumental in figuring out and apprehending members of teams like “Ansar-Al-Islam” and “Al Shahadat,” linked to Al Qaeda, thereby curbing ongoing terrorist threats. RAB’s operations in these areas have been essential in sustaining peace and safety, addressing the challenges posed by rebel teams and making certain the protection of each locals and refugees.

The function of RAB within the warfare in opposition to corruption, introduced by the Awami League authorities, stays as important as ever. Specialists in regulation and order anticipate that RAB will proceed to play a commendable function on this struggle, particularly after the January 7 election. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s robust stance in opposition to corruption has led to a renewed give attention to eradicating this menace from each authorities and non-government sectors. The reshuffle of key positions inside RAB, geared toward appointing people with comparable abilities and expertise, underscores the federal government’s dedication to this trigger.

As Bangladesh continues its journey in the direction of higher safety and prosperity, the contributions of RAB below the management of DG Harun-Ar-Rashid and ADG (ops) Col Momen are anticipated to be pivotal. The drive’s unyielding efforts in combating terrorism, sustaining nationwide safety, and preventing corruption will play an important function in shaping the way forward for the nation. With their intensive expertise and unwavering dedication, Mr. Harun and Col Momen are well-positioned to guide RAB in fulfilling its mission of making certain a protected and safe Bangladesh for all its residents.

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