Deployment of RAB on Ctg-Dhaka highway demanded

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Our Correspondent
CHITTAGONG, Apr 08: Chittagong Chamber president and ruling party lawmaker MA Latif has demanded immediate deployment of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) forces on Chittagong-Dhaka highway to check hijacking and pilferage of cargo transported by trucks, covered vans and lorries.
He made the appeal following a meeting with members of inter-district transport and covered van owners association at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry conference hall today.
MA Latif MP said hijacking of cargo from the trucks and covered vans on the highway has increased alarmingly since 2004. The CCCI members urged the home ministry to take steps to check the highway robbery, looting and hijacking of cargo.
Under pressure from the business community the government controlled the situation by deploying the RAB members at different points on the highway.
But the situation deteriorated over the last two years in connivance with a section of corrupt highway police. Incidents of pilferage of readymade garments, consumer goods, construction materials and industrial raw materials have been reported, he said.
Through a faxed message to the home minister he said that the government should step up preventive measures on the Chittagong-Dhaka highway.