Allies of militants won\\\'t be spared: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has warned that the allies of militants will not be spared. “An initiative has been taken to form police bureau of counter terrorism unit to curb militancy and terrorism. Those who join hands with the militants will have to face punishment,” the Prime Minister said in her address while inaugurating police week in Rajarbagh Police Lines in the city on Thursday. “The offenders no matter who they are won’t be spared,” Hasina warned. She issued the warning in light of allegations of police link with snatching three convicted militants from a police van on February 23. Sheikh Hasina said the government was putting in a huge effort to curb subversive acts of anti-liberation forces and militants. “Many including the BNP-Jamaat created obstacles to stop Bangladesh’s development by undermining the spirit of War of Independence. They were defeated in 1971 and have again faced defeat,” she said. Earlier the Prime Minister inspected the parade and handed over medals to police officers. Hasina said the government was implementing development projects of around Tk 30 billion for the development of police force. As many as 30,833 new posts have already been created including 614 cadre posts in police department, she mentioned. Industrial police, bureau of investigation, tourist police, and two security and protection battalion were also raised, the premier said. Posts of Sub-Inspector/Sergeant have been upgraded to the second class from third class, and inspector rank upgraded to first class from second class, she added, according to bdnews24.com.