Bangladesh Army Chief warns of terror attacks, calls for increased vigilance against potential threats

New Delhi: Bangladesh Army chief General Waqar-Uz-Zaman has cautioned against terrorist attacks in the country within the next month and called for increased vigilance against potential attacks.

General Waqar, speaking to senior Army commanders in Dhaka over the weekend, hinted that he has received intelligence that a terror strike could be orchestrated over the next week and urged caution, it has been learnt. He also mentioned that during a meeting with US senators, concerns were expressed over rising extremism in Bangladesh.

The Army chief’s comments are significant in the backdrop of growing acts of vandalism and attacks on minorities by Islamists since the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government in August last year.

General Waqar also made references to the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh. “While the crime rate remains similar to previous years, visible crimes are causing fear among the people. We need to address and prevent these crimes. When taking action, we must do so decisively,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, a consignment of 11,500 tonnes of parboiled rice arrived at Chattogram port under package-2 from India. The Bangladesh government has inked a contract with India to import 450,000 tonnes of parboiled rice under nine packages. Of the total, at least 285,769 tonnes of parboiled rice have already landed in the country with the rest slated to be delivered in phases.