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Parents Key in Mitigating Extremist Influence: DMP Commissioner
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman has emphasized the importance of collective societal vigilance, particularly by parents, in monitoring the activities of youngsters to combat the growing challenge of online militant activities.
Speaking during a floral tribute to the victims of the Holey Artisan attack in Gulshan, Commissioner Rahman responded to questions about the ongoing efforts to counteract extremist activities online.
“Halting the online activities of militants is now a significant challenge,” he stated, urging all sectors of society, including conscientious citizens and the media, to collaborate in curbing the spread of extremism. He emphasized that the rapid dissemination of information online poses a substantial threat.
The DMP Commissioner specifically addressed parents, highlighting the importance of monitoring their children’s whereabouts, activities, companions, possessions, and online time. “Careful attention to these aspects can significantly mitigate the risk of extremist influence,” he said.
In response to a recent intelligence report about extremist operatives infiltrating insurance companies, the commissioner assured that efforts are being made to monitor and counteract such activities. “We are vigilant and proactive in preventing these threats,” he added.
Commissioner Rahman acknowledged that extremism is a global issue and that Bangladesh is not immune. However, he praised the efficiency and foresight of the Bangladeshi police, anti-terrorism units, and supporting organizations in handling extremism, positioning the country as a global role model.
He cited examples where proactive operations based on intelligence successfully prevented potential attacks. “Our intelligence and counter-terrorism units have been instrumental in maintaining peace and order,” he noted.
The DMP Commissioner highlighted the continuous efforts of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, the Detective Branch (DB), and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in preventing the spread of extremist ideologies online. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of the Bangladesh Police and its counter-terrorism units to tackle any challenge.
“We are committed to maintaining peace and order in the country,” the DMP Commissioner affirmed.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds at most places across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas may experience moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to their latest weather bulletin released on Thursday.
Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
The highest rainfall in the country over the past 24 hours was recorded in Kumarkhali, with 104mm of rain by 6 a.m. on Thursday.
The axis of the monsoon trough extends from India’s Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal to Assam, passing through Bangladesh, with one of its associated troughs stretching into the North Bay of Bengal.
The monsoon remains active over Bangladesh and moderate to strong over the North Bay region.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted that the mild heat wave currently affecting parts of the country, including the capital, is expected to subside in most areas within the next 24 hours, starting from 9 am today.
“A mild heat wave is sweeping across the divisions of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, as well as the districts of Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. It is likely to ease in most regions,” the department reported.
In addition, BMD predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, across most of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas are expected to experience moderate to very heavy rainfall.
Temperatures across the country may drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius during both day and night.
On Monday, Dinajpur in the Rangpur division recorded the country’s highest temperature at 38.6°C, while Bandarban in the Chattogram division saw the lowest temperature at 24.6°C early today.
Meanwhile, rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours, ending at 6 am today, reached 66 mm in Nikli of Dhaka Division.
The sunset in Dhaka is at 5:53 pm today, and sunrise is expected at 5:49 am tomorrow.
Two separate murder cases were filed today in connection with the deaths of a private service holder and a Madrasa student during the anti-discrimination student movement.
The first case was lodged by Ridwan Ahmed with Panchlaish police station, accusing former ministers Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, and 127 others for the death of his nephew Sujan, 14. Sujan, the son of Belal Hossain from Beramara village in Noakhali’s Sadar Thana, was a student at Al Jamirul Hayat Madrasa in the city’s Chandgaon area. He was fatally shot in the Muradpur area on July 18.
The second case was filed by Jamal Uddin at Doublemooring police station, accusing 225 individuals, including Dr. Hasan Mahmud and Education Minister Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, for the killing of his elder brother Alam, a private service holder, on August 5.
