Shawdesh desk:

Ruling Awami League general secretary and road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader on Saturday confirmed that joint operations were going on in Bandarban’s hilly areas in a bid to restore peace and order.

The made the confirmation in an address at a programme at the Secretariat on Saturday,

The operations follow sporadic disturbances in the area, with the government taking a firm stance against turmoil, he said.

Quader elaborated on the complexities near the Myanmar border, specifically mentioning the state of Chin, where the KNF allegedly has a base.

‘Authorities are meticulously investigating the KNF’s rebel activities, with law enforcement engaged in concerted efforts to maintain stability,’ he stated.

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.

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.’

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.’