United News of Bangladesh

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been instructed to remain vigilant along borders to prevent any possible push-ins from India following the BJP’s victory in the West Bengal Assembly polls. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after the third session on the fourth and final day of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital. Replying to a question on whether push-ins of Muslims into Bangladesh might increase following the BJP’s win in West Bengal, the minister said the government has already taken precautionary measures. “We have instructed the BGB to stay alert along borders. Although we do not see such a possibility, we have taken precautions in advance so that we can address the situation if it arises,” he said. Asked about directives to the Deputy Commissioners on maintaining law and order, Salahuddin Ahmed said it is part of their routine responsibilities. “Maintaining law and order is one of their primary duties. The police, district administration and judiciary work in coordination in this regard. It is not about specific directives, but about ensuring effective cooperation within themselves,” he said. The minister also said the ongoing drives against drugs and illegal weapons will continue maintaining a zero-tolerance policy. “Drugs and online gambling are serious threats. If these cannot be controlled, social stability will be undermined,” he said. On online gambling apps, Salahuddin Ahmed said relevant agencies, including Bangladesh Bank and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police, are taking action. “As we move further into a technology-driven world, the nature of crime is evolving. We are planning to enact necessary laws to address these challenges. A committee has already been formed,” he said. The minister added that authorities are trying to block illegal websites and platforms as much as possible. “Online gambling, drugs and related crimes are now among our top priorities, and we are determined to curb them,” he said.

The government has decided to review the crimes against humanity cases filed during the tenure of the interim government, said Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday. The deputy commissioners (DCs) have been instructed to send district-wise case lists to the Ministry of Home Affairs for scrutiny, he said while talking to reporters after the third session of the final day of the DC Conference held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital. The minister said a number of cases were filed after August 5 in connection with the anti-discrimination movement including allegations of committing crimes against humanity linked to what he described as fascist activities.  “We will verify and examine these cases carefully as thousands of people were named in many of them. Investigators will determine the actual accused and ensure quick disposal of the cases,” he said. The minister further said that individuals who were included in cases with malicious intent would be given relief through legal procedures. When asked about the timeframe given to DCs for sending the case lists, the minister said they have been asked to submit them as soon as possible preferably within one month. He said district-level committees headed by deputy commissioners, with members including additional deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, public prosecutors and others, have already been formed to review such cases. These committees will verify politically motivated or false cases and applicants will need to submit forms along with FIRs, charge sheets or ejahars and related documents. Verified cases will be recommended for withdrawal, he said. “Such cases will first be sent to the Home Ministry which will not take immediate action but forward them to the Ministry of Law.” A committee headed by the Law Minister will review and vet the cases and only those deemed appropriate for withdrawal will be sent back to the Home Ministry for final action under Section 494 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), said Salahuddin. After assuming responsibility, the interim government began reviewing and withdrawing some of those cases, although certain categories such as murder, arms, women and child abuse, drug trafficking and human trafficking were initially excluded, he said.

Expressing concern over a significant decline in global assistance for the Rohingyas Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said it is now imperative to enhance international support to improve their living standards and meet their humanitarian needs. Despite being one of the world’s most densely populated countries Bangladesh has sheltered a large number of Rohingya refugees purely on humanitarian grounds, said the minister. He came up with the remarks when Ivo Freijsen, Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Bangladesh, met the Home Minister at the Ministry of Home Affairs at Secretariat. He also noted that the United States has recently reduced its funding allocation by 50 percent. During the meeting, they discussed the overall situation of the Rohingya population sheltered in Bangladesh, including international funding and repatriation issues. Highlighting the current condition in the camps, the UNHCR representative said refugees are facing severe challenges due to high population density in a very limited space. In response, the minister said expansion of camp areas is difficult given Bangladesh’s socio-economic and geographical realities. He stressed that safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation of the Rohingyas remains the most viable solution to the crisis. Referring to the prevailing geopolitical situation, the minister said the Rohingya crisis should not be overshadowed by global issues such as the Gaza conflict, the Ukraine war and tensions between Israel and Iran. He urged the United Nations and UNHCR to play a more proactive role in keeping the Rohingya issue high on the agenda at international platforms. The UNHCR representative invited the minister to attend the Joint Response Plan (JRP) presentation on Rohingya refugees scheduled to be held on May 20.

The opposition in Parliament staged a walkout on Thursday accusing the ruling party of passing several ‘anti-people’ bills, ignoring their logical objections. The opposition lawmakers, led by Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman, left the House at around 6 pm after the passage of 24 bills. Among the bills, the opposition raised objections about several bills including the National Human Rights Commission (Repeal and Re-introduction) Bill, 2026 and the Supreme Court Secretariat (Repeal) Bill, 2026 and the Supreme Court Judges Appointment (Repeal) Bill, 2026. After completion of the passage of bills, Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman took the floor on point of order and said it is unfortunate that several bills were passed despite having objections from the opposition. Cleared today, occupied tomorrow! Why can’t Dhaka keep its footpaths free? "It is unfortunate but true that we do not want to take responsibility for the number of anti-people bills that were passed today despite the logical obstacles of the opposition party. That is why we are now walking out of Parliament," he said. Responding to the opposition’s move, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed took the floor and said the opposition had actively participated in all stages of the legislative process. “I stood to thank them. They participated in the first reading, second reading, and third reading of the bills. Some even raised their hands in support. After taking part in the entire process, this walkout doesn’t make any sense,” he said. The minister thanked the opposition members for their participation and hoped that they would rejoin the session after the Maghrib prayers.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said more than half of the police vehicles across the country were burnt or completely destroyed during the mass uprising of students and the public. "During the July-August movement, police stations and police installations were attacked, vandalized and set on fire in various parts of the country. This caused extensive logistical damage to the law enforcement forces. The most damage was to vehicles. More than half of the police vehicles were burnt or completely unusable at that time," he said this during the question and answer session of the Parliament. Govt committed to protecting July fighters under new ordinance: Home Minister Referring to the impact on police activities due to the vehicle crisis, he said that due to the destruction of a large number of vehicles, there was some disruption in the normal patrolling and law and order activities of the police in the beginning. “However, the current government is working to overcome this logistical crisis as soon as possible. The process of restoring the capacity of the police and adding new vehicles to the police fleet in place of the damaged vehicles is underway.” The Home Minister also said that the government is determined to restructure the police force as a disciplined, modern and people-friendly force. “As part of this, a long-term plan has been adopted and the use of modern technology is being increased.”

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday said keeping fuel prices unchanged in the country despite their rise in international markets in the wake of the war if West Asia is a major success of the government. “The success has been possible because of advance preparation,” he told reporters after a meeting of BNP Parliamentary Party held at the ruling party’s meeting room in the Parliament Secretariat in the afternoon. Review of 133 ordinances 'at final stage': Salahuddin Ahmed Noting that the government keeps the fuel prices stable by providing additional subsidy, he said, “Our plan is to give comfort to people, especially during the Boro season, so that there is no crisis in agricultural production and the cost of agricultural inputs (including fuel) doesn’t go up.” Referring to the global fuel situation, he said prices of fuel have increased in many neighbouring countries and some countries even shut down educational institutions due to energy shortages. “But in Bangladesh everything has been managed smoothly under the directives of the Prime Minister. We hope we will be able to maintain the situation,” he said. About energy smuggling, the Home Minister said a few incidents of fuel smuggling have come to the notice of the government and such activities will be curbed with strict hands. Turning to the ordinances promulgated during the interim government, Salahuddin said the parliamentary special committee would sit again on Sunday night to discuss the 133 ordinances issued during the interim government. “The meeting will be held at 8:30pm tomorrow, where a final decision regarding the ordinances will be taken. Based on that, the committee will prepare its report,” he said. The report is scheduled to be placed in Parliament on April 2 and then it will proceed to the legislative process in accordance with the rules, he said.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday said that any constitutional reform in Bangladesh will prioritize public expectations and the aspirations of the martyrs of the student-led mass uprising of July 2024 He added that all amendments will be carried out through consensus based on the ‘July National Charter’ signed among political parties. The minister made the remarks while responding to journalists after attending the passing-out parade of the 43rd BCS (Police) batch at Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi. When asked whether the constitution would recognize Ziaur Rahman as the declarer of independence, Salahuddin Ahmed said a dedicated committee will review all aspects and draft proposals, giving precedence to the principles endorsed in the July National Accord. He emphasized that the process will reflect the current aspirations of the people and honor the dreams of the martyrs of the July uprising. Police to remain free from political interference: Home Minister The constitutional amendment committee will draft proposals based on political consensus, and final decisions will be made in Parliament following the first, second, and third readings as per legislative procedure. Addressing the new police officers, the Home Minister said the uniform symbolizes not just authority but responsibility, sacrifice, and service. He urged them to dedicate themselves to the nation with integrity, courage, and humanity, congratulating the batch on completing their training and wishing them success in both professional and personal life. Police Chief IGP Md. Ali Hossain Fakir and Police Academy Principal G M Azizur Rahman were also present at the event.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said the Constitution of Bangladesh does not recognise anything named a ‘Reform Council’, noting that such a council could only be established after a constitutional amendment.  “The honourable President has convened a session of the National Parliament, not a session of any ‘Reform Council,” he told reporters before joining the adjourned sitting of the Jatiya Sangsad. Referring to the proposal mentioned in the July National Charter, Salahuddin said that if a constitutional reform council is to be implemented under that framework, the Constitution must first be amended. He also noted that the legality of the proposed council has already been challenged in court. “The Constitutional validity of the council mentioned under the July National Charter has been challenged, and the court has issued a rule in this regard. The matter is now under judicial consideration,” he said. The Minister said that if such a council is to be formed based on the outcome of a referendum, the Constitution must first be amended through discussion. Fuel rationing withdrawn, normal supply resumes at filling stations “Only after the Constitution is amended and the provision incorporated can steps be taken to form the council and arrange the oath-taking, if necessary,” he added. Responding to another question regarding the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the Home Minister said both still hold their primary membership in their respective political parties. “They have not resigned from their parties. Therefore, Article 70 of the Constitution does not apply here,” he said, adding that the provision becomes applicable only when a member resigns from their party.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday said the issue of forming a Constitutional Reform Council may be discussed on the floor of the Parliament. “The discussion may take place on the floor (of the House). It was not discussed here,” he said when asked about the Constitutional Reform Council. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee, the Home Minister said the matter was not discussed in the committee meeting but could be raised during the parliamentary session. The minister said Saturday’s meeting was the first sitting of the Business Advisory Committee, where members discussed the duration of the first session of parliament, the agenda for debates, proposed bills and the time allocation for discussion on the President’s address. According to him, the House will adjourn on March 15. It will remain prorogued from March 16 to March 28 and resume on March 29. The parliamentary session is expected to continue throughout April. Regarding the ordinances issued during the tenure of the interim government, the minister said a special parliamentary committee had been formed last Thursday to review them. He said such a committee is traditionally formed before the constitution of ministry-related standing committees. The Law Minister will formally place the matter in parliament, after which the ordinances will be sent to the special committee for scrutiny and review before being presented to the House in the form of reports, he said. Asaduzzaman, the Law Minister, said discussions on the issue would take place in parliament. “We will present our position in parliament. Parliament is the centre of all discussions,” he said in response to a question about the political debate surrounding the Constitutional Reform Council. Mirza Abbas's post-surgery scan report 'good' Meanwhile, Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam said the opposition would present its position during the discussion on the President’s address. “We will explain why we walked out and why we felt it was inappropriate for the President to deliver that speech. We will present our position but will not offer thanks to the President,” he said. On constitutional reform, he added that the opposition leader would raise the issue of the Constitutional Reform Council in parliament at an appropriate time. He also noted that since the referendum verdict favoured constitutional reforms, there had been an expectation that a separate constitutional reform session would be convened alongside the parliamentary session. “The government side had earlier said the matter would be discussed in parliament. We want to hear the government’s position there and will determine our course of action accordingly,” he said. The opposition, he added, would like to see the current parliament transformed into a Constitutional Reform Council as soon as possible.

Security has been strengthened in Dhaka’s diplomatic area, including around the United States Embassy, amid the current global situation, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Monday. He made the remarks during a courtesy call by US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent T. Christensen, at his ministry at the Bangladesh Secretariat. In addition to regular police deployment, the minister said, members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) had been assigned to reinforce security in the Diplomatic Area. Law enforcement agencies have also been instructed to remain on high alert and take necessary precautionary measures, Salahuddin added. During the meeting, the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest, including law and order, security cooperation, efforts to curb illegal migration, counter-terrorism collaboration, the Special Programme for Embassy Augmentation and Response (SPEAR), and the proposed introduction of Electronic Nationality Verification (ENV). Welcoming the ambassador, the minister described the United States as a close partner of Bangladesh, particularly in the areas of security and counter-terrorism. Ambassador Christensen said Washington was keen to further strengthen bilateral ties, and underscored the importance of implementing the SPEAR initiative to enhance security at the US Embassy and across the Diplomatic Area in Dhaka. He also stressed the need for the quick signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), cautioning that dedicated US funding could otherwise be reallocated. In response, the minister said the government was committed to expediting the programme, subject to approval at the highest levels. On migration, the ambassador said the United States planned to introduce the Electronic Nationality Verification (ENV) programme in Bangladesh, adding that its successful implementation could place Bangladesh in the ‘Green Zone’ category under US immigration procedures. He also noted longstanding US support for Bangladesh’s counter-terrorism efforts, saying that since 2010 approximately 30,000 Bangladesh Police personnel – from investigating officers to deputy inspectors general – had received US training and equipment support. He, however, observed that the long-term impact had been limited due to retirements and transfers of trained officers. The home minister said steps would be taken to address the issue and instructed officials to organise a meeting or workshop with relevant stakeholders. The meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides, including representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the US Embassy in Dhaka.