United News of Bangladesh

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday dismissed the recent report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on the country's law-and-order situation, saying it was based on newspaper clippings rather than independent investigations and did not reflect official crime statistics. “TIB prepares its reports based on newspaper clippings. It does not conduct investigations or verify every incident before making statements. TIB is not a government agency. For the actual picture, one should rely on crime statistics maintained by the police and the Ministry of Home Affairs,” he said. Killings linked to illegal intrusion or criminal acts should not be called border killings: Salahuddin While talking to reporters at the Secretariat, the minister said TIB's assessment should not be considered the definitive picture of law and order in the country. Responding to a question on whether the government considers the law-and-order situation satisfactory despite TIB's claim that more than 600 murders occurred during the BNP government’s first 100 days, he said he had not reviewed the report and therefore could not comment on its specific figures. “We prepare monthly crime statistics covering robbery, murder, rape and other offences. We compare them with the same period of previous years. Based on the reports, I have seen that the situation has improved significantly compared to 2025, with reductions across various categories,” Salahuddin said. He said official statistics indicated improvements in public safety, though he refrained from commenting on figures cited in the TIB report without reviewing them. On public confidence in the police, the minister said the government has made progress in transforming the force into a more people-friendly institution. “I believe we have been able to make the police more citizen-oriented. They need encouragement so that they can continue working in line with public expectations, the law and the principles of the rule of law,” he said. Reiterating the government's approach of “reward and punishment,” Salahuddin said good performance will be recognised while misconduct will be dealt with through disciplinary measures. “Our policy is to reward the good and punish the wrongdoers. We have already demonstrated our commitment to this principle, and our success will become more evident in the days ahead,” he said. Rejecting the methodology of the TIB report, the minister said the organisation does not conduct investigations before publishing its findings. He added that the government relies on crime data collected routinely from districts across the country and treats those records as the most reliable source of information. “Various reports appear in newspapers every day. We take those reports seriously and send them to the relevant departments for verification. But it cannot be said that every published report reflects the exact facts,” he said. On the issue of financial support for police investigations, the minister acknowledged that officers face resource constraints and said the government will work to increase allocations for investigation-related activities, including patrol operations and post-mortem examinations. “We are aware of the financial limitations faced by the police. We will try to ensure adequate allocations for investigations, post-mortem reports and police patrol duties in the future,” he said. Asked about disciplinary action against police officers who have remained absconding for more than 60 days, Salahuddin said departmental proceedings were underway against them. “Departmental cases have been filed against all those you are referring to. Some cases are ongoing, while others may be nearing completion. Appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of those proceedings,” he said.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said all important border-related issues including push-ins across the frontier will be discussed at the four-day director general-level meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India's Border Security Force (BSF). “The DG-level meeting is held alternately in Bangladesh and India. This time it is our turn to visit India. All relevant issues will be discussed there,” he told reporters at Secretariat. Bangladesh is already engaging with India through diplomatic channels on border-related concerns while the country's border guards remain on alert.  “We will, InshaAllah, resist all attempts of border push-ins. However, these issues should primarily be resolved through diplomatic discussions,” he added. The 57th Director General (DG)-level border conference between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) will be held in New Delhi from June 8 to 11. A 15-member Bangladesh delegation, led by BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, will participate in the four-day conference. The Indian delegation will be led by the BSF Director General and will comprise senior BSF officials as well as representatives from India's Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs and other relevant agencies. This is the first DG-level talks between the border guard forces of the two countries since the BNP government came to power in February this year.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said killings of individuals, who are involved in crime or illegal intrusion, by any border force within its own territory cannot be labelled as “border killing.” “If any foreign force kills someone by entering our border or at the zero line, then it can be called border killing. But if someone is involved in any sort of crimes within our borders and their borders or if someone commits illegal trespassing, then they (border forces) will address the issue as per their own local laws. In such cases, it should not be called border killing,” he said. The home minister made the remarks while replying to a question from reporters at the Secretariat. He said all border-related issues and possible solutions will be discussed at the Director General-level meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Indian Border Security Force (BSF), beginning in New Delhi on June 8. Salahuddin described the meeting as a routine annual exercise held alternately in both countries. Responding to another question about reports that large numbers of people are being gathered at the border in West Bengal after being labelled Bangladeshis, he said the members of BGB have been kept on alert. “We are against any form of illegal push-in or push-back. However, if any Bangladeshi citizen has gone to that country for any reason and their identity is verified through national identity card, and if the central government sends a verified list to our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then repatriation will be carried out following legal procedures,” the home minister said. No such verified list has been received so far, he said, adding that if any such cases existed earlier, they will also be addressed legally.

Police on Sunday pressed charges against the two accused – Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Akter – in the case filed over the rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter in the capital's Pallabi area. Investigating Officer (IO) of the case – Sub-Inspector Ohiduzzaman of Pallabi Police Station – submitted a charge sheet against them before the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in the afternoon. Earlier in the morning, the accused were produced before the court. On Saturday, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police handed over the DNA report to the IO. Meanwhile, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said the trial in the rape and murder case could be completed within five to seven days. Ramisa Akter, daughter of Abdul Hannan Molla, was raped and murdered by Sohel Rana, tenant of a neighbouring flat, on Tuesday. According to the case details, the suspect reportedly lured her into his room and later killed her after rape. Later, Ramisa’s decapitated body was found beneath the bed while her severed head was found hidden inside a bucket in the bathroom. While Swapna was detained from the scene by neighbours and subsequently handed over to police, Sohel Rana managed to escape by cutting through a window grille. He was tracked down and arrested by police later Tuesday evening in Fatullah in Narayanganj.  

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.