RAB announces rewards for information on saboteurs

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has announced cash rewards of up to Tk 100,000 for information on saboteurs to encourage the citizens to come forward to help in nabbing trouble makers.

RAB Director General Benazir Ahmed on Saturday said the informants would not be protected and their identities would not be disclosed.

"People are being killed in arson at the instigation of a certain quarter," he told the media.

He also said those who were doing these had no involvement in politics.

“Is it politics to kill innocent people with petrol bombs? Those who are doing this are criminal offenders. They are murderers and terrorists,” he said.

At least 35 people have been killed and over a hundred people injured in blockade-related violence since Jan 5 when BNP chief Khaleda Zia announced it.

On Friday, 40 people were injured in incidents of arson , 27 of them are in Dhaka alone.

RAB's announcement came several days after the government said it would award Tk 100,000 for citizens who would catch miscreants responsible for violence in blockade.

The RAB rewards have been divided in eight categories starting from Tk 10,000.

RAB will give Tk 100,000 for 'correct' information on those who have set fire to public property or were planning to do so and have been caught red-handed.

Tk 50,000 will be given for information on those lobbing improvised bombs and Tk 25,000 for assisting the arrests of saboteurs.

RAB will reward Tk 20,000 for information on those hurling petrol bombs and Tk 10,000 for pictures or video footage of vandalism or arson attacks and information on the bombers.