Rab warns of stern action against narcotics smugglers

The newly appointed Rab Director General Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun has warned of taking stern action against any one found carrying out narcotics smuggling, criminal or militant activities during this period of coronavirus.

"We try to get the vehicles carrying daily necessities off the highway very quickly. A group of drug dealers are trying to smuggle narcotics using the opportunities but I would like to warn them that they will not be exempted and will face maximum punishment," the DG said yesterday.

Mamun came up with the remarks while addressing reporters through video conference from the Rapid Action Battalion headquarters regarding their initiatives during the period of coronavirus and the month of Ramadan.

The elite force is continuing their crime prevention activities during this period and has arrested around 1382 people on charge of different criminal activities since March 8 to April 24, said the DG.

He said that they are also working to suppress militant activities, which is a prime task of the elite force and around 32 militants were arrested since March 4 to April 24. 

Highlighting the steps taken by RAB to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Mamun said, "We are already conducting mobile courts to ensure social distancing."

He further requested all to share information if any local gathering was sighted and tea stalls violating social distancing. "We will intensify mobile patrolling in the alleys along with the main roads."

Regarding Rab activities, the DG said they have operated around 358 mobile courts so far and a total of 2,240 people have been fined Tk 3.40 crore to ensure social distancing.

Eighteen companies have been sealed and nine people imprisoned for illegally importing low quality testing kits and selling unhygienic masks and hand gloves in the capital's Uttara, Gulshan, Mohammadpur and Babubazar area, he said, adding that a fine of Tk 62 lakh has also been imposed and the elite force will continue their activities in upcoming days.

Mamun said the market will also be monitored during Ramadan to curb price hike.

"We have to be careful during this crisis so that no rumours can be spread." He suggested verifying the information before sharing on social media.

"We have already arrested 11 people for spreading rumours on social media and kept 50 other sites under observation," said Mamun.

He further mentioned that they would enforce Islamic Foundation instructions on taraweeh prayers and the congregation of Eid-ul-Fitr, which would be celebrated on May 23, to ensure social distance.

Seeking everyone's cooperation during the ongoing crisis period, Mamun added, "We will be able to get out from this situation together."