Dhaka, April 28 -- Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed believes that there is no "militant activity" in Bangladesh.

In response to a question from the media after the Coast Guard's founding anniversary ceremony in Dhaka's Agargaon on Tuesday, he said he did not use the word "militant".

He said, "I do not even recognise that word. There is no such activity in our country."

Reporters had asked the home minister about claims about rising militancy in the country and the escalation of security measures at various locations, including airports.

Before the question was finished, the home minister asked what the reporter meant, saying: "There are some extremist groups that are active in all countries. There are some radical forces. There are some...