RAB holds commando drill on militancy control in Dhaka

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on Friday conducted a drill at Nordic Hotel in Dhaka to increase its ability to fight against militancy. 

RAB snipers and its commando team, along with members of other units also took part in the drill.

As a part of the drill, firstly, a female militant along with four associates arrived at the hotel in a yellow taxi cab. Other associates had already taken place inside the hotel. 

The militant group held everyone in the hotel hostage, and demanded to set their leader free. They also threatened to kill the foreigners present in the hotel if their leader was not freed.

The drive started after a relative of those held hostage informed about the incident to the RAB control room. 

At first, the RAB sniper team took position by travelling through the main road. At this time, they blasted smoke bombs in front of the hotel. To misguide the militants, RAB commando team members conducted the drive from three sides at the same time.

The RAB commando team landed on a building beside the hotel, from a helicopter. When the militants got scattered, RAB commandos and snipers entered the building, neutralising all militants and rescuing all hostages at the end of the 20-minute mock drive.

While briefing journalists after the drive ended, RAB Director General Benazir Ahmed said: "RAB is prepared to combat any type of attack from militants."

Kamal Uddin Ahmed, secretary to the home ministry, who was also present during the drill, said: "Today's drill is a part of the zero-tolerance policy against militancy of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina."