Joint drive against KNF extremists underway: Quader

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said that joint drives are underway against the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) extremists in Bandarban's hilly terrains to restore peace and order.

He said: "As you see, we have already started a crackdown against them. The bank manager they abducted has already been freed. The government is determined to eradicate them."

"Authorities are meticulously investigating the KNF's rebel activities, with law enforcement engaged in concerted efforts to maintain stability," he added.

The minister stated that KNF members are operating in the Chattogram Hill Tracts with foreign support.

"They also have connections with terrorists in neighbouring countries, and it has been found that these terrorists have provided them with arms," he said while addressing a programme at the Secretariat on Saturday.

Addressing potential external support for disruptive groups, Quader remarked, "The situation differs if groups like UPDF and Santu Larma's Jana Sanghati Samiti back them. However, without such backing, these isolated factions face limitations."

During his speech, Quader also unveiled several infrastructure projects aimed at improving national connectivity. Noteworthy among these are the inauguration of one rail overpass along the Elenga-Hatikumrul-Rangpur highways in Tangail, seven overpasses, a bridge, and the Meghna Bridge Toll Plaza-2 on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway. These developments mark significant progress in facilitating smoother travel across the country.

In the context of the upcoming Eid celebrations, Quader reassured the public, stating, "Like last year, Eid holidaymakers can expect a comfortable journey, with measures in place to ensure roads remain free of traffic congestion despite the high volume of vehicles."