United News of Bangladesh

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday described the killing of innocent Bangladeshi citizens by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along the border as deeply unfortunate and a clear violation of human rights. “The killing of innocent Bangladeshi nationals by the BSF is extremely regrettable and constitutes a clear violation of human rights,” he told Parliament. Responding to a written question from ruling party MP Nilufar Chowdhury Moni (Women Seat-10), the Minister said Bangladesh has consistently protested the use of lethal weapons by the BSF along the border and has continued to press for accountability and compensation through diplomatic and bilateral engagements. He said the issue has been raised strongly by Bangladesh during border conferences held between the chiefs of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the BSF. Salahuddin Ahmed said there has been no specific institutional discussion or formal agreement under which the Government of India directly provides financial assistance to the families of Bangladeshis killed in BSF firing incidents along the border. However, he said Bangladesh has repeatedly voiced strong objections during bilateral meetings to the BSF’s practice of using lethal weapons under the pretext of self-defence. Through these engagements, Bangladesh has also indirectly exerted pressure regarding compensation and accountability for such incidents. Highlighting the outcomes of discussions between the two countries on border killings, the Minister said Bangladesh’s sustained diplomatic and strategic efforts have yielded some positive commitments from the Indian side. Under continued pressure from Bangladesh, the BSF has on several occasions pledged to refrain from using lethal weapons and instead employ non-lethal means in managing border situations. He also said that cooperation between the BGB and BSF has been strengthened to reduce border deaths and curb cross-border crimes. As part of these efforts, night-time joint patrols have been increased in vulnerable and sensitive border areas to enhance surveillance and prevent untoward incidents. The Minister further informed Parliament that mechanisms have been put in place to address any unexpected border incidents promptly through flag meetings at the company and battalion commander levels. “Whenever any undesirable incident occurs along the border, local-level flag meetings between the respective commanders are convened swiftly to bring the situation under control and prevent escalation,” he said. Bangladesh has long maintained that the use of deadly force against unarmed civilians along the border is unacceptable and has repeatedly called on India to adopt a policy of zero deaths at the frontier.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said the government intends to cultivate a culture of responsible politics, starting with the Jatiya Sangsad. “We are trying to improve our existing political culture gradually. It is not possible to implement it overnight, but we want to start practising good political culture from the National Parliament,” he said. Govt proposes opposition nominee for Deputy Speaker: Salahuddin The minister made the remarks at a dialogue titled "Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025: Expectations for the New Parliament", organised by Citizen Platform-Reform Watch at the Bangladesh China-Friendship Conference Center. “We want to promote good democratic practices and eliminate the bad culture of the past by nurturing a positive political culture,” he added. The dialogue was chaired by Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, convener of Citizen Platform and fellow of the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD), and attended by MPs Barrister A. M. Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Advocate Md Fazlur Rahman, Barrister Rumeen Farhana, Advocate Ahmed Azam Khan, Professor Rehman Sobhan, Barrister Sara Hossain, women's leader Khushi Kabir, and others.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said a nationwide crackdown on extortionists and listed armed criminals will begin soon in the capital. He made the announcement after a view-exchange meeting with senior officers of Dhaka Metropolitan Police at its headquarters. “Operations will start in Dhaka. Lists of extortionists and listed armed criminals are being prepared across the country. Neutral lists will be finalised after scrutiny and drives will be launched soon to bring them under the law,” he said. The minister said stern action will be taken against armed criminals and terrorists who are creating disorder in society. He expressed hope that the steps would help restore peace and maintain law and order across the country. Seeking public cooperation, he said the government expects support from citizens and assured them of necessary measures. On easing traffic congestion in Dhaka, the minister said a special cell, headed by the DMP Commissioner, has been formed and will submit a report within a week. As an initial step, battery-run rickshaws will be restricted and brought under regulation on the VIP road from Uttara to the Secretariat via Airport Road. Responding to allegations of harassment of journalists, he said law enforcers have already been instructed not to harass journalists once they properly identify themselves. Regarding the Hadi murder case, the minister said the investigation is ongoing and no detailed statement can be given until it is completed. On the issue of changing police uniforms, he said the matter will be discussed with the police department and appropriate steps will be taken. Earlier, addressing senior DMP officers, Salahuddin Ahmed urged them to uphold the image of Bangladesh Police and avoid any action that could tarnish the force’s reputation. Home Minister seeks Japan’s support in police reform The minister stressed the need to recover illegal arms and arrest terrorists and extortionists to bring them to justice. He also directed police to remain on maximum alert and emphasised modernising traffic management to reduce congestion. The minister listened to the concerns raised by police officials and offered necessary guidance.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday warned that the country’s top terrorists and extortionists will soon face the full force of the law. “Those involved in the recent shooting incident in Chattogram have already been identified and that various intelligence agencies are working on the matter,” he said while talking to reporters after a views-exchange meeting with Fire Service and Civil Defence officials at the Secretariat in the afternoon. Referring to the incident, he said a terrorist group had demanded extortion from a prominent businessman in Chattogram two months ago. Following the threat, the Chattogram Police Commissioner provided security and police guarded the businessman’s residence. “Perhaps the group did not get any benefit at that time. Two months later, they repeated the attempt and opened fire using heavy weapons,” Salahuddin said. Regarding the Security Ordinance issued at the end of the interim government, the minister said it was based on a clause of the July National Charter pledge, which had been agreed upon by all political parties that signed the charter. “Those who led and participated in the July uprising must be given legal and constitutional protection. We are committed to these pledges and will take decisions in light of them,” Salahuddin said. Home Minister Salahuddin urges India to prevent border killings Responding to a question about how long members of the Bangladesh Army would remain deployed in the field, the home minister said a decision would be taken after high-level discussions. “The army itself does not want to remain in the field for long, as it affects their training and other activities. We need to assess how much the law and order situation has improved after the government assumed office,” Salahuddin said. “However, at this moment I cannot specify when the army will be withdrawn. But it will have to be withdrawn at some point,” he added. On the issue of changing the name and uniform of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) during the interim government, the minister said there is public demand regarding the force and the July National Charter has also recommended taking certain decisions about it. “This is a specialised force. The question is whether we need such a force — and the answer is yes. We have to decide on its model, jurisdiction, accountability and transparency to ensure the best possible service,” he said.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said the government will not form a new probe commission over the Pilkhana carnage, as a national independent commission is already in place. Proper justice will be served for the Pilkhana carnage and necessary steps will be taken to make sure such an incident is never witnessed in future, he told reporters after paying homage to the victims of Pilkhana BDR carnage at Banani Military Graveyard in the capital. “During the tenure of the interim government, an independent national investigation commission was formed and its report is now before us. During the interim government, the report was already in hand but little action was taken for its implementation,” Salahuddin said. The minister said, “From what I have seen at a glance, it contains around 70 recommendations. I will study it in more detail. Many of these recommendations are currently being implemented. The judicial process will be completed. The remaining recommendations will be implemented gradually.” He said the previous government had formed two committees on the Pilkhana carnage but their reports were never made public. Salahuddin Ahmed said Pilkhana carnage was a threat to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty aimed at weakening the nation’s armed forces. “Such motives can only come from those who do not believe in Bangladesh’s sovereignty or who want to see the country as weak,” he added.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday urged law enforcement agencies to quickly fulfill public expectations by earning the trust of citizens. “After nearly 15 years, a transparent election has brought a political government to power and public expectations are very high. We intend to implement our election manifesto promptly to meet these expectations,” he said. The minister made the remarks during a views-exchange meeting with heads of different departments and agencies under the Home Ministry at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Salahuddin sounds the death knell for mob culture He emphasised that democratic reforms reflecting public demand should be given top priority across the police and other law enforcement bodies. Minister Salahuddin also underscored the importance of recruiting necessary personnel, stressing that coordinated efforts along with new recruitment would help achieve the ministry’s objectives. He called for a detailed plan to modernise the police and other law enforcement agencies, and instructed department and agency heads to submit recommendations and proposals to guide the planning and implementation, ensuring proper prioritisation of reforms.