Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said that the Bay of Bengal will soon be declared pirate-free.

He said this during the chief guest’s speech at the surrender ceremony of pirates at RAB-7 elite hall in Patenga, Chittagong on Thursday (May 30).

The Home Minister said, ‘Criminals will be suppressed at any cost. Those who have surrendered will be allowed to return to normal life. But only Allah knows what will happen to those who did not surrender. Soon the Bay of Bengal and adjacent coastal areas like the Sundarbans will be declared pirate-free.

Worryingly, a woman in her fifties is also a pirate. Many people chose this path mainly due to persecution at the hands of the powerful. There are many such stories. We are making arrangements to get them back on track and fed back into society. I will help them by removing their cases. However, I will not raise the case of those accused of murder and rape.

Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said, ‘RAB is standing in self-glory even after many ups and downs. When militancy was rising in our country. RAB has faced it with great courage. 33 RAB members gave their lives while providing protection.

The minister questioned and said, ‘Chittagong is not like before. Here is the tunnel, the bay-terminal. Why would there be banditry?

Warning the pirates who did not surrender, the Home Minister said, ‘We are going to cross about 15 years. Now we want a peaceful situation. Criminals will be suppressed at any cost. Let no one dare to commit a crime. Allah knows best what will happen to those who did not return.

He congratulated the journalists for contributing to the surrender of the pirates. Crest and certificates were given to news editor Suman Talukder and senior staff reporter Mir Mohammad Akram Hossain of News Twentyfour.

Earlier, in a special guest speech, Bangladesh Police Inspector General (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun said, “After surrendering, there is no exemption for them if they return to militancy and banditry.” Strict action will be taken against them.

He said, “After the surrender, we are paying more attention to them. If they revert to these again, no discount will be given. Their case and all other cooperation will be stopped. Appropriate action will be taken if you violate our word.

If anyone wants to return to normal life, we are ready to help them. All those surrendering today are welcome back to normal life.’

RAB Director General M Khurshid Hossain, Chittagong Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Nur Alam Meena, RAB-7 Captain Lt. Col. Md. Mahbub Alam, Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner Krishnapad Roy, Member of Parliament Abdul Latif, representatives of the Coast Guard and senior officers of law enforcement.