No militant activity in Bangladesh: home minister

The word “militancy” was used by the Awami League government for its own political benefit, Salahuddin Ahmed says

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed believes that there is no “militant activity” in Bangladesh.

In response to a question from the media after the Coast Guard's founding anniversary ceremony in Dhaka’s Agargaon on Tuesday, he said he did not use the word “militant”.

He said, "I do not even recognise that word. There is no such activity in our country."

Reporters had asked the home minister about claims about rising militancy in the country and the escalation of security measures at various locations, including airports.

Before the question was finished, the home minister asked what the reporter meant, saying: "There are some extremist groups that are active in all countries. There are some radical forces. There are some fundamentalist political parties. These exist. But the word you uttered no longer exists in the current culture of our country.”

“Previously, that word was uttered during the ‘fascist’ era for their own political benefit. They used it as a tool. Currently, they... do not exist in Bangladesh."