Don't torture

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the members of Rapid Action Battalion to make sure that common people do not fall victim to unnecessary torture and oppression while the law enforcers carry out their duties.

“You all must give attention to the fact that common people don't suffer in any way... they must not face any unnecessary torture and oppression,” she said.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Hasina was speaking at the PM's Special Darbar marking the Rab's 13th founding anniversary at its Kurmitola headquarters in the city.

She asked the members of the elite force to work more sincerely to ensure the safety of people's lives and property. “Remember, we're public servants as our wages and allowances come from people's pockets.”

Stressing the need for maintaining discipline in the force, the PM said all its members would have to discharge their duties with patriotism, honesty, skill and professionalism.

The Rab members must maintain discipline and carry out their superior authority's orders, she added.

Hasina reiterated that her government would never tolerate any terrorist and militant activities on Bangladeshi soil.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cuts a cake at the 13th anniversary programme of Rapid Action Battalion at the elite force's headquarters in the capital yesterday. Photo: PMO

Militancy is not a new problem for the world and also for Bangladesh, she said. “We'll do whatever is necessary to ensure peace and security of the people.”

Issuing a strong warning against attracting innocent youths to militancy through wrong interpretation of Islam, she said attention should be given to creating mass awareness to root out the menace from the society.

She lauded the publication of a booklet with proper interpretation of relevant verses of the holy Quran and Hadith by the Rab, and asked the force to take steps for its widespread publicity.

Hasina said she was frequently talking to imams, schoolteachers, freedom fighters and public representatives through videoconferences urging them to create awareness against militancy and terrorism.

“To combat militancy, we all have to work together.... If we can't do that, all our achievements would go in vain.”

The government would do everything possible for the rehabilitation of militants and terrorists willing to return to normal life, she added.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and Rab Director General Benazir Ahmed also spoke at the function.

The PM later inaugurated the newly constructed office of Rab-9 and unveiled the plaques of a number of Rab projects.

Earlier, some documentaries on Rab activities were screened.