Outlaws in Khulna division show no sign of let-up

9 September 2009, 17:00 PM

Quazi Amanullah, Khulna

Extremists have killed 22 people in four weeks in ten districts of Khulna division despite deaths of at least nine extremists in shootouts with law enforcers during the same period from August 1-27. Following a home ministry directive to 'contain rise of extremists and crush their strongholds at any cost', law enforcers have launched several drives in the region but the outlaws seem too desperate to show any sign of let-up in their criminal activities including extortion and murder, law enforcement officials said. In last nine months, extremists killed 55 people in the south-western region, mostly for not paying illegal tolls. According to intelligence agencies, over 3,000 extremists who had gone into hiding after the declaration of emergency in January 2007, have reappeared in Khulna region, much to the worry of people. Following extremists' death threats for refusal to pay tolls, a few political leaders and businessmen in south-western region have left their homes for safer places, their family sources said. According to police, Lalpataka and Janajuddho factions of outlawed PBCP, Gano Mukti Fouj and New Biplobi Communist Party are most active extremist outfits in the region. Rab and police have prepared a fresh list of extremists while 14 underground parties have been marked for banning, said sources at DIG (Khulna Range) office, adding that the lists have been sent to the home ministry and police headquarters in Dhaka. “Most of the extremists are trying to get political shelter. But they will not get this chance any more as we are determined to hook them,” said DIG (Khulna Range) Sheikh Hemayet Hossain. Intelligence reports say that extremists purchase smuggled AK-47 rifle, LMG, SMG, American pistol, Chinese rifle, .22 bore pistol and Indian arms from illegal arms traders. Since 2003, over 500 extremists have been killed in 'crossfire' incidents during quite a few crackdowns by law enforcers including Rab, sources said. Earlier in 1999, the then Awami League government declared general amnesty for extremists of south-western region and 2,850 outlaws surrendered to police and laid down 2,200 illegal arms.