Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman has vowed to completely dismantle Jungle Salimpur in Chattogram, describing the area as a “terrorist den” and a major hub of illegal armed activities, following the killing of a Rab officer during an operation there.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday after attending the janaza of slain Rab officer Nayek Subedar Md Motaleb Hossain Bhuiyan at Rab-7 headquarters in Patenga, the Rab Director General said the force would take decisive action to eliminate criminal strongholds in the area.
“The terrorist den in Jungle Salimpur will be crushed and dismantled completely. This is our firm
commitment,” the Rab DG said. Justice will be ensured’ The Rab DG said those responsible for the killing would be brought to justice and assured that Rab would closely monitor the case until the judicial process is completed.
“Motaleb embraced martyrdom while performing his duty for the country. Justice for his killing will be ensured,” he said.
The Rab DG also expressed deep sympathy for the bereaved family and said the force would take responsibility for the welfare of the slain officer’s wife and children.
Attack during arms recovery drive
Nayek Subedar Motaleb Hossain, an army personnel on deputation at Rab-7, was killed on Monday afternoon when Rab members came under attack during a drive to recover illegal arms in the hilly Jungle Salimpur area under Sitakunda upazila.
According to Rab, criminals used loudspeakers to gather a large crowd before launching a sudden attack involving an estimated 400 to 500 people.
Four Rab personnel were criticallyally injured and rushed to Chattogram Combined Military Hospital (CMH), where Motaleb was declared dead. The remaining three are currently undergoing treatment.
CCTV footage and tactical restraint
CCTV footage circulating on social media shows Rab members arriving at the scene in two white microbuses before being attacked by a mob. The footage also shows the vehicles being vandalised.
The Rab DG described the incident as exceptional, saying Rab members refrained from opening fire due to the high risk of civilian casualties in the densely populated area.
Salimpur under intensified crackdown
Calling Jungle Salimpur an unacceptable criminal enclave, the Rab DG said illegal occupants and those possessing illegal weapons would soon face action.
Since mid-2024, Rab has arrested several criminals and seized large caches of arms from the area, he said, adding that operations would continue.
Rab officials confirmed that several individuals involved in Monday’s attack have already been identified and will be arrested soon. Additional law enforcement personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain security.
Preparations are underway to accord state honours to the slain Rab officer.
