Bangladesh schools threatened by militants

Islamist militants have threatened english language schools in the Bangladesh capital, police said today. Several English-language schools in Dhaka had received what police called “veiled threats” in the form of letters or phone calls from militants.

Principals have asked for more police protection as some of the threats were directed against students. The letters ask for money to support the militants or treat those wounded in clashes with security forces during last month’s border guard mutiny or other clashes.

"We are aware of the situation and taking every possible measure to face it," a senior police officer who declined to be identified told Reuters news agency.

Police have stepped up patrols around all city schools, especially English-language ones, where students usually come from relatively affluent families. "I got very scared ... and picked up my son before classes were over on Thursday," said the father of a 14-year-old boy.

The government says that it will soon release the findings of an official probe into the 25-26 February revolt.

About 100,000 students in Dhaka attend private english language schools, which charge higher fees than Bengali language schools, according to figures published by the BBC.

Written by Hayley Jarvis for SOS Children