Mass awareness indispensable to combat violent extremism

Generating awareness among the public in general, particularly guardians, parents, students and other youths, can be the crucial means of combating violent extremism.

Engagement of community people side by side with infusing dynamism into the activities of bit and community policing is very important towards establishing peace, harmony and tranquility everywhere in the society.

High ranking officials of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP), district police and development activists made the observation while addressing the opening ceremony of a daylong youth fair titled “Role of Youths to thwart Violent Extremism” here today (Tuesday).

The Asia Foundation (TAF) hosted the fair at Rajshahi College auditorium supported by RMP and the TAF’s ‘Police Engagement Approach for Countering Extremism – PEACE’ project.

More than 400 youths both male and female and police personnel from 17 police station areas belonging to RMP and district police joined the fair.

RMP Commissioner Biplob Bijoy Talukder addressed the inaugural ceremony as chief guest, while its Deputy Commissioner Saifuddin Shahin and Superintendent of Police Saifur Rahman spoke as special guests with TAF Senior Director Nazrul Islam in the chair.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Anti Terrorism) Rakibul Hassan Ibne Rahman, Additional Superintendent of Police Rafiqul Alam, RMP Additional Deputy Commissioner Salma Sultana and TAF Programme Officer Safiul Awal were present.

RMP Commissioner Biplob Bijoy Talukder said the Bangladesh Police has been working relentlessly on the basis of a zero tolerance policy against the violent extremism and terrorism.

He 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.

Commissioner Bijoy Talukder 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 forged against them. That’s why, bit and community policing can play vital roles in this regard.

There is no alternative to community and bit policing to combat extremism and terrorism. He urged the bit and community policing officers to render their services with sincerity and honesty.

He added that the present police force remained active to uproot extremism and terrorism.

TAF Senior Director Nazrul Islam told the meeting that the PEACE Project is intended to empower law enforcement agencies to carry out counter terrorism efforts that effectively engage citizens in awareness raising, information sharing and prevention initiatives. (BSS)