Government Takes Firm Stand to Maintain Law and Order: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that the government is taking a firm and lawful stance to improve the law and order situation and restore public confidence. He said that the current government, formed through a democratic and transparent election, holds a full mandate from the people. Although rebuilding institutions from a fragile and chaotic inherited situation will take time, the government is moving in the right direction.

He made these remarks while briefing journalists after a meeting of the National Committee on Coordination, Management, and Law and Order of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals, held at the conference room of the Ministry of Home Affairs at Bangladesh Secretariat.

The high-level meeting, chaired by the Home Minister, was attended by Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, and other committee members.

Responding to a question about recent transfers and compulsory retirements in the police administration, the Home Minister clarified that these are not political matters but part of routine administrative processes. Recruitment, transfers, promotions, disciplinary actions, and retirements are all conducted in accordance with the law. He emphasized that there is no fixed timeframe for such administrative actions and that compulsory retirements are carried out through proper internal review processes to ensure fairness.

Regarding individuals released on bail after August 5, 2024, the minister said that bail is a legal matter decided by the courts. However, law enforcement agencies remain vigilant to ensure that identified offenders do not engage in further criminal activities. He warned that the law will take its own course in cases of crimes, including killing, and perpetrators will be brought to justice.

The minister announced that from May 1, a nationwide special joint operation has been launched against drugs, illegal arms, and extortion. The Department of Narcotics Control, Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and intelligence agencies are working together in this operation. He stated that the primary objective is to dismantle major syndicates involved in drug trafficking and cross-border smuggling, with a zero-tolerance policy in place.

Addressing concerns regarding police uniforms, the minister said that a policy decision has been taken to revise the uniform based on feedback and acceptability. While the shirt color will remain unchanged, the trousers will return to the traditional khaki color. The new uniform will be implemented soon after the production process is completed.

On the management of Rohingya camps, the minister said that a coordinated action plan has been adopted to ensure discipline among approximately 1.2 to 1.4 million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals in Ukhiya and Teknaf, prevent drug smuggling, and strengthen security both inside and outside the camps. Leadership and operational aspects of joint force activities were also discussed in the meeting.

Describing the recently concluded parliamentary session as one of the most effective in history, the Home Minister said that after 17 years, a vibrant and diverse parliament has been established. Constructive debates and a record number of laws were passed in a cooperative environment between the ruling and opposition parties, which is a positive sign for democracy.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and journalists from various media outlets were present during the briefing.