Describing elite force Rab as a “brand name for peace” in villages, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam on Sunday said this institution should not be maligned which helped the country contain militancy.

“Please don’t try to malign this institution on which we rely heavily,” he told reporters at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, apparently referring to the US sanctions imposed on Rab in last December.

He also said, “You go to villages and you will see Rab is a brand name for peace. Rab is a brand name where you will get justice and Rab is a brand name for anti-terrorism activities.”

Also read: Dhaka renews call to Washington to lift Rab sanctions

In the past, the state minister said, Rab had been established on the recommendation of different countries and it has over the years become well-organized and strong with training from a number of countries.

“In a very short time, we’ve been able to control militancy with relatively little damage and have been able to eradicate the root cause although this war is not over,” he said, adding that countries like Bangladesh can face such problems at any time.

Shahriar said those who truly want to see Bangladesh as a peaceful country where equal rights will be ensured, where an environment in which everyone has a say will continue, will have to work with the national institutions that are the pride of the nation.

“There was a plan to strengthen Rab before; and training and resources were given,” he said, adding that they remain engaged and open and are also looking for ways to address the issues taking any deviation into consideration.

Also read: RAB's importance to counterterrorism recognised but lifting sanctions to take time: Blinken

The state minister advised against any attempt to weaken the institutions like the Rab. “We can’t afford to have that.”

He said they are operating in a very complex world and in a very complex environment where external factors influence the internal issues a lot.

He said the government wants to take the country to a high-income level in 2041 through a steady growth trajectory led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “We hope that all countries will cooperate as friends and none of their decisions or actions will stand as barriers in the way.”

He said Bangladesh does not desire any intervention from any quarter on internal issues.

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen was also present.