Quader, Hasan differ on KNF's backing issue

Talks with Somali pirates at advanced stage

FE REPORT | Published: April 06, 2024 23:02:55

Two senior members of the cabinet differ on the issue of who are actually backing the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), a hilly armed separatist group.
Road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader on Saturday said he did not think the KNF was getting support from India's Mizoram state or anywhere else.
But foreign minister Dr Hasan Mahmud the same day felt that the separatist group might get arms supply from the terrorist groups of neighbouring countries.
About the KNF, Mr Quader, also the general secretary of the ruling Awami League, says a small group has started some armed activity in the hill tracts of Chattogram.
"This small group is based only in Bandarban. Some youths of this group are roaming around with weapons. Law-enforcement agencies are conducting a joint operation in this regard."
"I hope the situation will calm down soon. An investigation is going on. So, everything will come out soon," added Mr Quader.
Meanwhile, Dr Hasan suggested that the KNF might get the backing of the insurgent groups of neighbouring nations.
It was learnt that cross-border insurgents were supplying weapons to the KNF, he told the media when asked about its recent terror acts in the hilly region.
The government has already started a combing operation to eliminate the terrorists of the home-grown secessionist organisation.
Dr Hasan said this while talking to journalists after a programme in Chittagong.
The KNF members reportedly kidnapped the manager of Sonali Bank's Ruma upazila branch last Tuesday and also tried to loot Tk 1.5 crore from its vault.
Having failed to take the money, they hijacked the manager during the bank robbery.
However, the hostage was rescued later.
The insurgents also carried out robberies at Sonali Bank and Krishi Bank branches in Thanchi upazila of Bandarban last Wednesday.
On Friday, KNF members reportedly attacked a checkpoint in Alikadam upazila of Bandarban.
Recently, they were engaged in incidents of robbery, abduction and clashes with law-enforcers in Ruma and Thanchi upazilas.
Meanwhile, about the MV Abdullah issue, Dr Hasan says the government has taken multiple initiatives to get back 32 Bangladeshi mariners of the hijacked ship.
"Negotiations with the pirates are at an advanced stage over the release of the sailors and we are expecting their safe return soon," he adds.
"They [mariners] are in good health and are staying in their cabins. There is no food crisis also."
It is to be noted that the Bangladeshi ship was hijacked by Somali pirates on March 12 while it was cruising through the Indian Ocean.
Owned by Kabir Group's SR Shipping, MV Abdullah has an estimated 55,000 tonnes of coal on board.
On March 04, the ship started its journey from the port of Maputo in the African country of Mozambique.
It was scheduled to arrive at Hamriyah port in the United Arab Emirates on March 19.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com