Integrated efforts of all the law-enforcing agencies coupled with making the bit and community policing effective can be the best way of freeing the society from violent extremism and terrorism.
Bit and community policing can play a pioneering role towards combating militancy, extremism and terrorism. So, utmost emphasis should be given on making the community based policing activities vibrant.
High police officials and others concerned came up with the observation while addressing a daylong regional consultation workshop here on Thursday.
Anti Terrorism Unit (ATU) of Bangladesh Police and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) jointly organized the workshop titled "Combating Violent Extremism and Terrorism through Community and Bit Policing" at Grand River View Hotel.
Additional Inspector General of Police and ATU Head Ruhul Amin addressed the meeting as chief guest, while Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police of Rajshahi Range Abdul Baten and Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) Anisur Rahman spoke as special guests.
UNODC Officer-in-Charge SM Nahian illustrated the aspects and strategies of combating violent extremism and terrorism through community and bit policing during his multimedia presentation.
Additional Deputy Inspector General of Police Rashidul Hassan, RMP Additional Commissioner Faruque Hossain, Superintendent of Police Masud Hossain, ATU Superintendent of Police Shirin Akter Jahan and Rajshahi Divisional Additional Superintendent of Police Rakibul Islam also spoke on the occasion.
The workshop discussed and devised ways and means on how to face the existing deviation and challenges in the field of combating extremism and terrorism.
In his remarks, ATU Head Ruhul Amin said the present Bangladesh is going ahead rapidly. There is a need to remain alert so that extremism and terrorism can't be the obstacle towards development.
He mentioned that the extent of militancy and terrorism were reduced in the country at present. But, the motivational work on online-based militant recruitment is going on hidden. Now, stiff resistance should be formed against them. That's why, bit and community policing can play vital roles in this regard.
DIG Abdul Baten said there is no alternative to community and bit policing to combat extremism and terrorism. He urged the bit and community policing members to render their services with sincerity and honesty.
RMP Commissioner Anisur Rahman said the present police force is active to uproot extremism and terrorism.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha