MR Rahim, Chattogram 

Regarding the recent rise in murders in Raozan, Chattogram, Adviser to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Agriculture, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, said that Fatikchhari, Raozan, Patiya, and Satkania are a mix of hilly and plain areas. The problems here are different from other regions.

He said , we are discussing this issue. Criminals here commit crimes and then flee towards the hills. If anyone commits a crime publicly, I am telling you now — legal action will be taken against them.”

He made these remarks om Wednesday  in response to journalists' questions after a closed-door meeting on law and order held at the Chattogram Circuit House.

In response to a question about the border situation, the adviser stated that not all videos about the border are true, but at the same time, not all are false either. He explained, “The Arakan border is a difficult one. Although we maintain communication with Myanmar, the border is currently controlled by the Arakan Army. To import or export goods from Myanmar, you have to pay taxes to both the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army.”

He emphasized, “There is a problem here which needs to be understood. Efforts are underway to resolve it. And our border is fully secured.”

When asked about joint forces operations, he said, “The operations by joint forces have not decreased in any way. In fact, with your support, the law and order situation has improved.”

Addressing journalists, the adviser urged, “Please publish the real incidents. It helps us take action. But sometimes, some false incidents are published. Later investigation shows they are untrue, which creates problems. Journalists from neighboring countries take advantage of this because they often spread false news.”

When asked whether the hilly regions are unstable, he shared from personal experience, “I have served in the hills three times — as a camp commander, CO, and brigade commander. You have seen the unrest in the hills before. Compared to that, the hills are now much more peaceful. Minor abductions are happening even in the plains. So why blame only the hills? The situation in the hills is much better now and quite peaceful.”