The government has intensified its efforts to maintain law and order, with ongoing drives against terrorists, armed criminals, drug dealers and extortionists set to be strengthened further, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Wednesday.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to public safety, the minister said law enforcement agencies are maintaining updated lists of criminal elements and conducting regular operations to bring offenders to justice, regardless of their political affiliations.
“Lists of terrorists, armed criminals, drug dealers and extortionists are always maintained by the police and regularly updated,” he said while responding to reporters after a meeting at the Secretariat on preparations for Durga Puja celebrations.
He said the police department regularly collects and updates information on arrests of terrorists, drug dealers and extortionists, with relevant data being made public through the media.
The Home Minister urged against judging the overall law and order situation based on isolated incidents, noting that the government is pursuing sustained efforts to ensure security and restore peace across society.
“We have always told you this. We speak to the press almost every day. We are continuing our efforts to ensure the security of people and establish peace in society,” he said.
Addressing allegations of land grabbing and extortion involving political influence, Salahuddin reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance approach to criminal activities, saying law enforcement would take action against anyone found involved, irrespective of political identity.
He said police respond promptly to calls received through the national emergency service 999, reach the locations, make arrests where necessary and initiate legal proceedings.
“Whoever is involved, strict action will be taken against them and is being taken,” he said.
Regarding allegations surrounding a former lawmaker’s role in an incident in Mirpur, the minister said the matter was under investigation.
On the Radda Clinic incident, he said an initial inquiry had found negligence of duty by a police officer. The officer was immediately withdrawn from duty, while departmental proceedings had been initiated.
The minister also clarified that there was no political involvement in the Radda MCH-FP centre incident.
He acknowledged that some individuals involved in criminal activities might have political identities but stressed that such affiliations would not shield anyone from legal consequences.
The minister’s remarks underscore the government’s stated commitment to strengthening law enforcement, ensuring accountability and maintaining public order through continued police operations and legal action against criminal activities.
