http://www.thedailystar.net/2004/02/12/d40212070285.htm
The Daily Star, Vol. 4 Num 253
Thu. February 12, 2004
Our Correspondent, Rangamati
The Deputy Commissioner yesterday directed law enforcers and others concerned
to take whatever measures necessary to ensure security of foreigners in Rangamati.
The government wants full security of foreigners in their free movement in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), DC Dr Jafar Ahmed Khan told a meeting on law and
order, held at his office.
The three ministers-in-charge of Rangamati, Bardarban and Khagrachhari have
also been asked by the highest level in the government to closely monitor law
and order in the districts, he said.
Senior police officials, Upazila Nirbanee Officers (UNO) and OCs of all the
10 upazilas in Rangamati district, NGO representatives, newsmen and the local
elite attended the meeting, held following a home ministry directive.
"In the face of deterioration in law and order, the government has directed
the local administration and law enforcement agencies to tighten security all
over the region", Jafar said.
He also sought cooperation from owners of residential hotels and resorts where
foreigners stay, NGOs and development agencies in this regard.
Recollecting the abduction of three foreigners from Kalapahar n February 16,
2001, the DC said, "The administration remained vigilant so that such incident
can not happen again." But incident of abduction took place again, he said.
Abduction of a hotel owner from Bandarban on the night of february 2 raised
an alarm in the government. Mahbub Hassan Bablu, abducted on gunpoint for Tk
one crore ransom, is yet to be rescued.
At least 26 foreigners were staying at the hotel at that night but they were
unhurt when gunmen laid a cordon and abducted Bablu.
Meanwhile army has stopped movement of passenger-carrying vehicles on Rangamati-Chittagong
and Rangamati-Khagrachhari roads from sunset to sunrise, sources said.