Bomb Threat
Security tightened for Rangamati, Khagrachhari poura polls
Our Correspondent, Rangamati
In the wake of a bomb threat for suspension of Rangamati and Khagrachhari municipal polls, Deputy Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Moniswapon Dewan has directed the local administrations to gear up security for holding the polls peacefully. "Extra security measures will be taken if necessary to check sabotage", Rangamati BNP Secretary M Jahir Uddin said on Saturday quoting Monbiswapon. "The minister (Moniswapon) directed the Deputy Commissioner and the Police Superintendent to beef up security till the election is complete". The election must be free and fair, he added. Municipal polls in Khagrachhari and Rangamati are scheduled for October 6 and 6 respectively. On September 9, one Iqbal Murda, identifying himself as 'commander' of an unnamed organization, in a letter demanded suspension of Rangamati and Khagrachhari municipal polls. He threatened to kill ruling BNP MP Wadood Bhuiyan, Khagrachhari DC, all journalists working in Rangamati and to blow up important government and non-government installations if his demand is not met. "Be it a real threat or a hoax to create terror, we must remain vigilant", the BNP leader told The Daily Star on Saturday. When contacted, a mid-level police official in Rangamati seeking anonymity said, "We have taken measures including vigilance at residential hotels to ensure peaceful polls".
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