United News of Bangladesh

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has been closely monitoring the movement of vehicles carrying sacrificial animals to ensure that they are not forcibly diverted to any specific market ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, says its chief. RAB Director General Md Ahsan Habib Palash came up with the remark while briefing reporters after visiting the Gabtoli Cattle Market in the capital on Sunday. During the briefing, he said security measures have already been tightened across the country, including in the capital, to keep law and order normal centring on Eid-ul-Azha. Besides, the elite force has set up checkposts in Dhaka city and other parts of the country as part of ensuring security, the RAB chief said. He said control rooms have been opened at cattle markets, while RAB battalions are conducting robust patrols in their respective areas to ensure the safe transportation of sacrificial animals to markets. Checkpoints are also being operated in vulnerable and important locations alongside other law enforcement agencies to enhance security, Habib Palash said. He said the risk of robbery and snatching of cattle traders’ money increases during Eid as public gatherings in Dhaka and other cities tend to decrease. “To address the situation, RAB has increased the number of security posts and patrols.” The RAB director general said special monitoring is being carried out through control rooms and watchtowers at cattle markets to reduce inconvenience for buyers. “At the same time, traders and buyers are being encouraged to avoid cash transactions and instead use cashless payment methods or cards.” He said necessary equipment has been kept ready to detect counterfeit currency, while drives against counterfeit money producers are continuing. Issuing a strong warning, the top RAB officer said action will be taken instantly against those spreading rumours or making misleading posts on social media centring on Eid and animal sacrifice. He said RAB’s regular patrols, intelligence surveillance and operational activities will continue to prevent terrorist activities and other crimes, and maintain normal law and order across the country during the Eid period.