Noting that the Jungle Salimpur area in Chattogram has become a ‘safe haven’ for armed criminals, Director General of Rapid Action Battalion, AKM Shahidur Rahman, on Tuesday said hideout of terrorists will be dismantled soon.

 “The terrorist den in Jungle Salimpur, which has become a hub of illegal activities, will be crushed and completely dismantled. This is our commitment,” the RAB chief said.

The RAB DG came up with the remark while talking to reporters after attending the namaz-e-janaza of slain RAB officer Motaleb Hossain, held at RAB-7 headquarters in Patenga in the afternoon.

Earlier on Monday, Motaleb Hossain, a Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) of RAB-7 was killed and three others were injured in a gun attack by armed criminals while on a drive to recover illegal arms in the hilly area of Jungle Salimpur in Sitakunda.

Motaleb Hossain, a Nayeb Subedar in the Army on deputation at RAB, had embraced martyrdom in the line of duty, he said.

Those who were responsible for the killing would be brought to justice and RAB will continue to monitor the case until the judicial process is completed, he added.

Expressing deep sympathy for the bereaved family, the RAB DG said the loss suffered by Motaleb’s family is irreparable.

RAB will take responsibility for his family and ensure that they do not become helpless in any way, he said.

Referring to the Jungle Salimpur, RAB DG said it was unacceptable that the area has turned into a safe place for criminals.

“Those living there illegally and those involved with illegal weapons will soon face action. A drive will be launched there,” he said.

Since June–August 2024, the elite force arrested many terrorists and recovered a large cache of weapons. Every operation carries its own risks, said RAB DG.

Mentioning Monday’s incident as an exceptional situation, the RAB chief said considering the circumstances and the potential risk to civilians, RAB members refrained from opening fire at that time.

The entire incident would be thoroughly investigated and any shortcomings identified would be addressed to ensure more effective operations in the future, he said.

The elite force already identified several individuals involved in the attack and they will be arrested, he added.

RAB would continue to work with full force to maintain law and order in the country and carry out their duty to ensure public safety by taking risks, he said.

CCTV footage circulating on social media shows RAB members arriving in two white microbuses, after which several people were gathered through loudspeaker announcements and carried out an attack on the force. The video also shows the microbuses being vandalised.

A tense situation has been prevailing in the area after the incident.

Additional police have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order situation.