United News of Bangladesh

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday announced increased cash rewards for people providing information leading to the recovery of looted and illegal firearms as part of intensified efforts to recover such weapons. The minister warned that police officers who fail to make expected progress within the stipulated timeframe in curbing terrorism, extortion and drug-related crimes will face strict legal and administrative action. The minister made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing after attending as the chief guest the Quarterly Crime Review Conference (April-June 2026: Second Quarter) organised by Police Headquarters at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh Under the newly revised reward scheme, informants will receive up to Tk 2 lakh for information leading to the recovery of heavy weapons while those providing information on pistols, revolvers or shotguns will be rewarded up to Tk 50,000, said the minister. Besides, people providing information leading to the recovery of sound grenades, looted tear-gas shells and other looted weapons will receive rewards of Tk 10,000, Tk 15,000 or Tk 20,000, depending on the circumstances, the minister said. He assured that the identities of informants would be kept completely confidential. Salahuddin said the government is regularly adopting strategic plans to bring the country’s law and order situation to the desired level and improve the image of the police by turning the force into a public-friendly and people-oriented institution. He said a special unit has already been formed in coordination with various intelligence agencies to intensify operations to recover looted and illegal firearms. Salahuddin said weapons whose cancelled licences were not surrendered within the stipulated deadline have already been treated as illegal firearms and cases have been filed, while drives to recover them are continuing. He added that special strategic operations are being conducted across the country with assistance from intelligence agencies to prevent illegal arms, drugs, smuggling and extortion. Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir chaired the conference, while Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Manzur Morshed Chowdhury addressed it as a special guest. Additional IGP (Crime and Operations) Khandaker Rafiqul Islam delivered the welcome speech. Additional IGP (Administration) AKM Awlad Hossain, among others, was present. During the conference, the minister responded to various questions from DIGs of different ranges, police commissioners and additional police commissioners of different metropolitan areas, and superintendents of police (SPs) of different districts and exchanged views.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday told Parliament that an improvement in the country’s law-and-order situation is now visible, with law enforcement agencies arresting alleged perpetrators and bringing them to justice within a short time after crimes are committed. “The improvement in the law-and-order situation is visible in Bangladesh. Since the present government took charge, whenever a crime has occurred, the perpetrators have been arrested and brought under the law within 24 to 48 hours or even less time,” he said. The minister made the remarks, while replying to a supplementary question from National Citizen Party (NCP) lawmaker Md Abul Hasnat (Cumilla-4) in the House. Responding to the lawmaker’s concerns over the law-and-order situation, he said police and other law enforcement agencies have made prompt arrests in several cases, including those that drew significant public attention. “From the Ramisa case to the four recent murders in Rangpur, the police and other law enforcement agencies have been able to arrest the suspects within the shortest possible time and bring them under the law,” Salahuddin said. He rejected broad allegations of failure by the Ministry of Home Affairs or law enforcement agencies, saying such claims should be backed by specific incidents and verifiable information. “If you can point to any specific incident where the ministry or the law enforcement agencies have failed, we can give a detailed response to that particular incident,” the minister said. He also questioned the basis of crime statistics cited by the lawmaker, saying figures presented in Parliament should be accompanied by their sources and methodology. Salahuddin recalled that the government previously placed detailed crime statistics before Parliament, including through statements under Rule 300, covering different categories of criminal activities. Responding to another supplementary question about the number of firearms and the recovery of weapons looted from different places, he said a committee comprising representatives of all relevant forces has been formed to recover the weapons. The minister said law enforcement agencies are regularly recovering looted firearms and matching their serial numbers to identify them. “We are continuously recovering weapons, including some of the looted firearms. We match their numbers and inform the media when such weapons are recovered,” he said. Salahuddin expressed hope that all looted weapons, including those taken from prisons and other locations, will eventually be recovered. Regarding allegations of political or partisan considerations in police recruitment during the previous government, he said an investigation into the matter is nearing completion. The minister said investigators have found irregularities involving the recruitment of thousands of police constables and personnel of other ranks in several districts. In some cases, he said, applicants allegedly changed their addresses to become eligible for recruitment in particular districts, including by purchasing small plots of land and using those addresses as their permanent or village addresses. Salahuddin said several districts, including Faridpur, Gopalganj, Madaripur, Shariatpur and Kishoreganj, have been identified where such irregularities were allegedly committed. “We have reached an advanced stage in the investigation. Once it is finalised, we will make the findings public before the nation,” he said. Replying to another question from Joynal Abedin, MP, the minister said the country’s law-and-order situation has witnessed a visible and expected improvement compared to the corresponding period of last year. “Even if I do not call it a revolutionary improvement, I would say there has been a visible and expected improvement,” he said. Salahuddin made the remarks while presenting a comparative picture of the law-and-order situation between January-August 2025 and the same period in 2026. According to the comparative figures, a total of 2,607 murders were recorded from January to August in 2025, while the number stood at 2,332 during the same period in 2026. The number of incidents of violence against women and children also declined, from 11,269 in January-August 2025 to 9,347 during the same period this year. Similarly, the number of rape cases fell from 4,666 in the first eight months of 2025 to 4,472 in the corresponding period of 2026. The minister said incidents of mob violence also declined significantly. There were 89 such incidents from January to August 2025, compared to 56 during the same period this year.“We have been able to bring it down to 56. Inshallah, we will bring it down to zero,” he said.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday pledged to transform Bangladesh Police into a people-friendly force that meets public expectations. “We pledge that the Bangladesh Police will become a people-friendly force in line with public expectations, InshaAllah,” he said while speaking at a discussion and doa mahfil marking Eid-e-Miladunnabi at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan. The Home Minister said no one should expect a revolutionary overnight change in the country’s law and order situation, but expressed confidence that the situation would improve under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. “Under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the leader of the masses, we will be able to improve the law and order situation to a level where public expectations will be met,” he said. The minister urged people to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies by providing information and other necessary support. Salahuddin said changes were being brought to the legal frameworks governing various law enforcement agencies to ensure accountability and transparency in their activities. He said law enforcement personnel were being rewarded, awarded certificates and medals for good and outstanding performance, while the principle of punishing wrongdoers and rewarding those who perform well was being followed. The Home Minister said the present government inherited a fragile law-and-order situation following the 2024 student uprising, along with very high public expectations. He said modernising the law enforcement agencies, boosting their morale and motivating them to work as servants of the people were being pursued simultaneously. Salahuddin also claimed that during the six months since the government assumed office, there had not been a single major criminal incident where the police failed to apprehend those responsible within a reasonable period or bring them before the law. He said the morale of the police and other law enforcement agencies had improved significantly during the period and that they were now working with renewed strength to combat crime. Referring to several nationally discussed cases, including an incident in Rangpur and the Ramisa murder case, the home minister said those responsible had been brought under the law within a reasonable time and the cases had been handed over to the courts through due legal procedures. He said the government also extended necessary cooperation to help complete judicial proceedings within shorter periods where required by society. BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Chairman’s Advisory Council member Abdus Salam, Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon and Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Anee, among others, attended the programme.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday ordered law enforcement agencies to immediately arrest identified terrorists, extortionists, and drug dealers across Bangladesh, warning of strict action under a "zero-tolerance" policy for any failure. The minister issued the warning while briefing reporters after visiting Dr Md Asaduzzaman Rahman, a physician injured in an alleged attack by an extortion gang outside Popular Hospital in the capital's Shantinagar, at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. “There is no time limit. If law enforcement agencies cannot quickly take identified extortionists, criminals and drug dealers into custody and bring them under the law, strict action will be taken against those responsible for the failure,” he said. Referring to the attack on Dr Rahman on Aug 17, the minister said police and the Detective Branch arrested four of the seven alleged gang members, including the alleged mastermind, within 48 hours. The suspects were arrested from the scene, Lakshmipur, Dania in Jatrabari and Shyampur, he said, praising police and DB officials for swiftly identifying and arresting the suspects. According to the minister, preliminary interrogation suggests that the alleged gang leader returned to Bangladesh after suffering losses in hundi transactions abroad and subsequently formed the criminal group. The gang allegedly targeted major hospitals, prominent doctors, engineers and wealthy professionals, threatening them through messages before physically attacking them to demand large sums of money, he said. “Such activities by extortionists will not be tolerated. The operation will continue until extortion is completely eliminated,” Salahuddin said. He also said authorities were preparing lists not only of extortionists but also of police personnel allegedly involved in or assisting extortion activities. “Regardless of how influential the criminals or their patrons are, they will be brought to justice,” he said. On the security of doctors and healthcare facilities, the minister said 10 Ansar members would be deployed at each of 500 hospitals across the country. He advised doctors who feel particularly vulnerable at their private chambers or clinics to inform police. Responding to a question, Salahuddin said any citizen could apply for a licence for a shotgun or pistol if they meet the requirements under existing laws. Applications from doctors seeking firearms for personal security would be considered under government rules, he said. Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir, DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, Additional Commissioner (DB chief) Mohammad Shafiqul Islam and Dhaka Medical College Hospital Director Brig Gen Mohammad Asaduzzaman were among those present. The home minister later visited Anwar Khan Modern Hospital in Dhanmondi to see Dr AKM Aminul Haque, who was also allegedly threatened by the same extortion gang.  

New Delhi’s desire for friendly relations is at odds with allowing former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to make anti-Bangladesh statements or engage in political activities from Indian soil, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Saturday. “On the one hand, India wants friendly relations with Bangladesh while on the other, it allows a convict and fugitive accused, Sheikh Hasina, to make anti-Bangladesh statements or engage in political activities from Indian soil. These two positions are completely contradictory,” he said at a discussion as the chief guest at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building auditorium of Dhaka University. The minister expressed hope that the Indian government would understand the matter and stop playing the “Hasina card.” The discussion titled “The Role of University Teachers in the Fall of the Fascist Government” was organised jointly by Dhaka University’s Sada Dal Panel and the University Teachers’ Association of Bangladesh (UTAB) to mark the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising of 2024. Calling for the preservation of the spirit of the July uprising and “iron-clad national unity,” the home minister said Bangladesh must complete democratic reforms through democratic practices and tolerance while preventing any resurgence of “fascism”. He said the victory achieved through 17 years of democratic struggle and the sacrifices of hundreds of thousands of people could not be used as a tool by any particular group to monopolise the spirit of the movement. Salahuddin said the interim government formed on Aug 8, 2024, under Article 106 of the Constitution was the result of the aspirations of the country’s pro-democracy people. He said Sheikh Hasina’s fall came through the mass uprising against 17 years of repression, enforced disappearances, killings and deprivation of voting rights. “The politics of the Awami League and Sheikh Hasina has died in Dhaka and been buried in Delhi, ” he said adding people could no longer be misled through “politics of selling the spirit”.  

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said currently the government sees no grounds to take legal action against former President Mohammed Shahabuddin and he would receive all legal privileges and security as entitled under the law. “There is nothing that we see as grounds for arresting the former president. He will get all the facilities he is entitled to under the law. He will also receive security,” the minister told reporters after a programme at the Secretariat where awards and honours were distributed among police members for bravery and commendable services. “He will receive security from SSF and PGR for six months. Besides, police and other agencies will also ensure his security according to the law,” he added. Responding to a question about ongoing demands by different quarters seeking the Shahabuddin’s arrest, the minister said people have the right to express their views and stage protests. “However we have not found any statement there that requires our consideration,” he said. The home minister said Shahabuddin performed his duties as president in accordance with the Constitution during his tenure. “He carried out constitutional responsibilities during the final period of the authoritarian government, the interim government and the current government. We received his cooperation,” he said. Referring to the constitutional immunity enjoyed by the president while in office, Salahuddin said Shahabuddin had such protection during his tenure as per the Constitution. “If anyone has any allegations regarding any period outside his official responsibilities, those will be dealt with according to the law,” he said. On a reported audio clip of an alleged phone conversation involving the former president, the minister said, “We have seen it in newspapers. We do not have any such information.” “In today’s internet era, the idea that someone would have to go to London to talk to someone seems unrealistic to me,” he added. On allegations of smuggling along the Sylhet border under political patronage, Salahuddin said he had no such information. “If we receive any complaint, we will certainly investigate it,” he said. Responding to a question on whether the recovery of an IED-like device near Motijheel metro station on the day of the Hindu community’s Ulta Rath Yatra had any motive, the minister said the government is not viewing the matter from that perspective. He said law enforcement agencies and intelligence organisations worked together to ensure the peaceful completion of the Rath Yatra and Ulta Rath Yatra. “The device was found coincidentally that day. I do not think it has any connection with the religious event,” he said. The minister said the device was detected due to the alertness of Ansar members. Later, police cordoned off the area and a bomb disposal unit neutralised it. He added that the Ansar members who identified the device would also be rewarded. At the programme, police members were given financial rewards and certificates for arresting robbery suspects and recovering stolen goods as well as for recovering a lost bag of an expatriate and ensuring it reached the airport in time. Salahuddin said such recognition would remain a lifelong achievement for the officers. “They realise that the state honours them for public service. It will increase respect for their families and their standing in society, encouraging them to do more,” he said. Asked why police medals were not awarded during this year’s Police Week, the minister said some irregularities were found while reviewing the list prepared in haste. “After verification, some errors were detected and in one or two cases, irregularities were also found. The medals will be awarded after proper scrutiny and refinement of the list,” he said.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said Major (retd) Mozaffar Hossain, one of the prime accused in the former President Ziaur Rahman assassination case who was arrested in Dhaka recently after over 4 years on the run, will be tried under the existing military law. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a view-exchange meeting and Darbar with senior officials of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at the force’s Pilkhana headquarters. The minister said the main trial over the assassination of the former President had been conducted by a military court at that time, which had reached specific findings. He said accused Mozaffar, who had remained in hiding in a neighbouring country for many years in disguise, was arrested on July 15 based on specific intelligence information and has been handed over to the Bangladesh Army for trial under the existing Military Act. Salahuddin said the judicial process will be carried out in accordance with the law by establishing a General Court Martial. He added that there is no legal provision to try a person separately under both civil law and military law for the same offence. “Therefore, the trial in this case will proceed under the Military Act.” Turning to border issues, the minister said the government is giving the highest priority to strengthening national security and protecting the country's borders. In view of the unstable situation along the Myanmar border, he said a preliminary plan has been taken to construct barbed-wire fencing along 108 kms of the frontier as proposed by BGB, though the proposal has not yet been finalised. Salahuddin said advanced detection equipment has already been supplied to the BGB to prevent casualties from mines or landmines. Referring to the situation in Myanmar, he said intense armed clashes are continuing there between government forces and various insurgent groups, including the Arakan Army, Rohingya Solidarity Organisation and Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. Due to Bangladesh's geographical position, the border is facing challenges arising from the ongoing conflict, the minister said, adding that the government is maintaining round-the-clock monitoring to prevent stray gunfire and drug smuggling from across the border. He noted that the nature of border management with India is completely different from the strategic challenges along the Myanmar frontier and stressed that securing the Myanmar border remains an urgent priority. Rejecting allegations of push-ins into Bangladesh, Salahuddin said there is no scope for any illegal push-ins and that every such attempt has been successfully resisted through the joint vigilance of BGB and local residents. He said India’s West Bengal government may pursue such narratives for its own political agenda, which are unrelated to Bangladesh’s internal affairs. Bangladesh always engages in official discussions with the government of India, the minister said, adding that if a specific list of verified Bangladeshi nationals is formally sent through diplomatic channels, the government will examine their nationality through due legal procedures and arrange their return if confirmed. “No illegal infiltration will be tolerated outside that process.” He also said the Ministry of Home Affairs will take effective measures to resolve various pending issues of BGB, including increasing manpower, procuring modern equipment and vehicles, constructing new administrative buildings and improving healthcare services at BGB Hospital through the recruitment of doctors and nurses. Earlier, at the event with the BGB officials, the minister directed force personnel to maintain maximum vigilance along the country's borders and strengthen efforts to prevent illegal infiltration, push-ins, drug and arms smuggling, human trafficking and other cross-border crimes. He also stressed the importance of maintaining discipline, chain of command, mutual respect and professional conduct within the force. Salahuddin called on members to remain alert to rumours and misinformation and to perform their duties based on verified information. He underscored the need for the effective use of modern technology and intelligence information, winning the confidence of border communities, playing a humanitarian role during disasters and national emergencies, and ensuring neutrality, accountability and adherence to the rule of law. Expressing optimism about the force's future role, the minister said BGB members will continue to make significant contributions to safeguarding the country's border security, sovereignty and national interests under the motto – “Bangladesh First.” Earlier, he visited the BGB headquarters, where he was accorded a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent. The meeting, held at the Shaheed Shakil Ahmed Hall, was attended by BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, senior headquarters officials, junior commissioned officers, other ranks and civilian employees. BGB personnel serving at various regions, sectors, battalions and border outposts (BOPs) across the country joined the programme through videoconferencing.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has expressed optimism that the new law (Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, 2026) will play a crucial role in preventing human trafficking and migrant smuggling as well as curbing organised criminal networks. Bangladesh’s legal and institutional capacity has been elevated to international standards, keeping pace with the constantly evolving tactics of criminal syndicate , he said while addressing the National Dissemination Meeting on the "Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, 2026," held at a hotel  in the capital. The Ministry of Home Affairs and Justice & Care, Bangladesh, jointly organized the event. The Minister reiterated the firm and unwavering commitment of the Government of Bangladesh to suppress human trafficking and migrant smuggling through a strong law, effective institutional coordination, and a victim-centric criminal justice system. The Minister further highlighted that the new law clearly defines human trafficking and migrant smuggling as separate and distinct offenses. This national-level dissemination programme created an important opportunity to build a unified and clear understanding of the new law among the institutions responsible for its implementation. Participants exchanged views on the key provisions and implementation framework of the Act. The priorities for effective enforcement, including strengthening coordination at every step of the criminal justice process from investigation to judicial disposal were also discussed during the session. The event was attended by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, Inspector General of Bangladesh Police Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, DG of Bangladesh Coast Guard Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Hoque, DG of BGB Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed as special guests.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed left Dhaka New York, USA, to attend the 5th United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS V), to be held at the United Nations Headquarters. He departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1:40 am by an Emirates flight, according to an official release. The two-day summit, scheduled for July 7-8, will bring together police leaders from around the world to discuss key issues related to UN policing and peacekeeping. The Home Minister is leading a five-member Bangladesh delegation that includes Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir. During the visit, the Minister will participate in the opening session and various plenary sessions of the 'UNCOPS' summit to be held at the United Nations General Assembly Hall on July 08. This year’s summit will feature three major plenary sessions titled: Vision for the Future of UN Police, Innovations and New Technologies in UN Policing, and Enhancing International Cooperation to Address Transitional Challenges. He will also attend a high-level dinner organised as a sideline event of the summit. During his stay in New York, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed will hold bilateral meetings with Atul Khare, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support; Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations; and Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. He will also participate in important bilateral meetings with the Home Ministers of various countries. These meetings will focus on Bangladesh's contributions to UN peacekeeping operations, the participation and capacity building of Bangladesh Police, the deployment of specialized police units, the future priorities of peacekeeping operations, and various matters of mutual interest. The minister scheduled to return to Dhaka on July 12.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday questioned Jamaat-e-Islami's claim of being an Islamic political party, saying its election manifesto contains nothing about establishing Shariah rule. “There is no pledge in the party's election manife sto to establish Shariah rule …. You have even removed 'Establishment of Islam' from your party's monogram. How can you claim to be an Islamic party?” he said questioning Jamaat's ideological position. The Home Minister was participating in the general discussion on the proposed national budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year in the House. He also accused opposition Jamaat lawmakers of defending Islami Bank instead of addressing allegations over its operations. "When the issue of Islami Bank is raised, it appears to me that the bank's board of directors is sitting on the opposition benches. They speak as though they are defending the bank," Salahuddin said, pointing towards Jamaat lawmakers. He claimed that Tk 11,000 crore had been disbursed under Islami Bank's Rural Development Scheme (RDS) on political considerations between August 5, 2024 and the February-12 national election held in 2026. Displaying documents in Parliament, the minister said he had brought a breakdown of the disbursed amount and challenged opposition lawmakers to refute his claims. "If any of you want to respond or challenge the authenticity of my claims, you can collect these documents from me," he said. About the proposed budget, the minister said the proposed national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year was formulated against the backdrop of an economy devastated by massive capital flight and institutionalised corruption, expressing hope that its economic and social benefits would become visible within six months. "The economic and social impacts of this budget will not be seen right now. Inshallah, after six months, the changes will become visible," he said. The minister said prices of some essential commodities have already declined to some extent and asserted that the country's development journey would continue uninterrupted. "None will be able to resist our journey (of progress)," he said, expressing optimism that their government would be able to implement the budget successfully. Salahuddin alleged that around US$234 billion had already been siphoned out of the country before the Awami League’s regime, forcing it to prepare the budget amid a severely weakened economy. "We are formulating this budget while standing on an economy that has virtually been turned into a bottomless basket," he said. He alleged that the previous fascist regime had institutionalised "the economics of plundering", leaving behind a legacy of crony capitalism, oligarchy and endless corruption. He said the cumulative amount of laundered public money stood at around Tk 30 lakh crore. Salahuddin urged the Prime Minister to direct the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate all allegations of corruption during the 18-month tenure of the interim government. "Those who are now demanding accountability over corruption and foreign loans should welcome such an investigation. Let the ACC find out where corruption occurred, how it happened and who was responsible," he said. Referring to a recent report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), he claimed that allegations had been raised regarding corruption during the interim government's tenure and said those claims should also be thoroughly investigated. Describing the proposed budget as a "Budget of a New Economic Order for the Country", Salahuddin said its expanded social safety net programmes would stimulate a revolving economy by enabling beneficiaries to spend the financial assistance they receive, thereby boosting economic activities. Highlighting improvements in law and order, the home minister said people can now file cases at police stations without recommendations or influence from powerful persons. "As a result, the number of registered cases is now higher because, in the past, many cases were deliberately not recorded to keep crime statistics low," he said. He said comparative data between 2025 and 2026 showed that several categories of crime had declined, although incidents of rape had increased to some extent. Regarding mob violence, Salahuddin said the number of incidents had fallen to 29 from 86 in 2025. "But we want to bring the number of mob violence incidents down to zero," he said.