Give up terrorism and we’ll give you cash – Bangladesh’s offer to militants

Bangladesh is trying to lure militants away from terrorism by offering them cash if they are willing to reform. Already, two militants belonging to a notorious terrorist group have given themselves up and claimed the cash award.

“We had chosen a dark path,” Abdul Hakim, one of those who surrendered, told a national television audience at a public ceremony last week as he received the check.

“We have realized our mistake,” said the 22-year-old Hakim, as quoted by VOA News. “We do not believe in terrorism. Everyone who has gone on this path should return.”

The Bangladeshi government gave 500,000 Taka (about $6,350) each to Hakim and Mahmudul Hasan Bijoyeach, who surrendered and vowed to give up their old ways.

According to the police, the two men belonged to Neo-JMB, an affiliate of Daesh and a splinter group of Jama’atul Mujahideen – one of the top terror organizations in the country.

The new initiative encourages extremists to lay down guns and leave the radical path. These people in return will receive rehabilitation and financial and legal assistance to help them reintegrate into the society.

Terror attacks in recent months have killed at least 70 Bangladeshis as well as some foreigners.