Kushtia operation fiasco

This is not to say that there have not been impressive results in the past months. Law enforcement has to its credit a string of impressive arms cache seizures and arrests. And, with respect to the Kushtia operation, even though, in the final analysis, it could not succeed in netting the terrorists as hoped for, the ambitious and bold effort taken by the authorities on a scale that it was is to be noted and commended.

It seems though that our human intelligence gathering on the ground as well as ability to keep details about operational matters confidential remains a problem as Kushtia shows. These gaps must be bridged and greater professionalism is needed if we are to be successful in pursing the terrorists.

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In addition, in between the original tip-off and the actual operation, it has been learned that four hours elapsed. When dealing with hardened terrorists, this is too long a window between intelligence and action, and law enforcement must develop the capability and flexibility to conduct large operations with greater secrecy and swiftness.

Clearly more professionalism is needed so that law enforcement is equal to the terrorist threat. The many variegated agencies and outfits that comprise our anti-terror efforts need to be better coordinated and systems and procedures need to be established and perfected so there is no confusion or mismanagement in handling an exigency on short notice.

Bangladesh has the advantage of other countries' knowledge and the expertise to draw on in her efforts to perfect its anti-terrorist offensive capabilities. There is much we can learn from the experience of others and we ought to do so to build comprehensive and effective counter-terrorism capacity immediately.