‘Tough action against those involved in Bandarban bank robberies’

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan has warned that they would take stern action against perpetrators who committed bank robberies in Ruma and Thanchi upazilas of Bandarban.

Earlier, the minister blamed armed group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), also known as the Bawm Party in the hills, for the incidents.

“Sometimes, representatives of the KNF talked to us and expressed their desire for establishing peace,” the minister told reporters at his secretariat office in Dhaka on Thursday.

“But, sudden attacks and subsequent bank robberies seem new to us. However, tough action will be taken against those involved in the incidents.”

On Tuesday night, a group of armed criminals carried out an attack on Sonali Bank’s Ruma upazila branch. Having failed to loot cash, they abducted the bank’s branch manager and looted 14 firearms and 415 bullets of police and Ansar members.

On Wednesday afternoon, armed criminals attacked Sonali Bank and Bangladesh Krishi Bank branches in Thanchi upazila and looted Tk17.50 lakh.

On Thursday, Asaduzzaman said, “We did not know why they suddenly committed such crimes. But, whatever their purpose is, we will not spare any of them. And, nothing has happened to declare a state of emergency. We are taking action.

“We will find out the reason for the attacks, identify those responsible for the incidents, and take strict action.”

The home ministry is working following the information being provided by the intelligence agencies, he added.

In another context, the minister said although there is no threat of sabotage to the celebration of the upcoming Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year, the government has taken precautionary measures.