Counter-terrorism unit enhances surveillance in chemical markets

In the wake of recent terrorist activities and seizure of huge amount of bomb-making materials in Chittagong, the law-enforcing agencies have increased its surveillance in chemical markets.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 21 March 2017, 04:39 PM
Updated : 21 March 2017, 04:39 PM

Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Counter-terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit (CTTC), Md Sanwar Hossain said that they would keep a close watch on the chemical markets in terms “which kind of chemicals are being sold and transported to which area.”

“We will also keep an eye on who is purchasing the chemicals, why they are procuring it and whether the rules are being followed in selling it,” he said.

He also said that the CTTC unit officials would hold meetings with the chemical traders in different cities across the country.

“Terrorists are now using relatively sophisticated equipment and advanced explosives,” said the official, based on the 'analysis of weapons and bomb-making materials seized from terror suspects in last 10 years'.

“The explosives they are using now is much more powerful and sophisticated compared to the bombs used in the countrywide terror attacks in 2005. They have also changed their attack tactics.”

In the Holey Artisan attack in Gulshan last year, the terrorists used the Improvised Explosive Device (IED), said a police officer.

In Sitakunda drive on Thursday, police recovered a total of 39 bombs, grenades and suicide vests, 11 explosive gel, five drums of hydrogen peroxide and a drum of acid.

“The explosions were strong and louder during the 19-hour standoff and raid,” said the counter-terrorism officer.

Sanwar stated that “the terrorists now want to mete out extensive damage as part of their new tactic.”

“Their ideology and target are the same. The only change we see is that they are now making powerful bombs,” Sanwar added.