United News of Bangladesh

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday drives against terrorists, armed criminals, drug dealers and extortionists are underway and would be intensified further.  “Lists of terrorists, armed criminals, drug dealers and extortionists are always maintained by the police and regularly updated,” he said responding to a question from reporters after a meeting at the Secretariat on preparations for Durga Puja celebrations. The police department is regularly collecting data on the number of terrorists, drug dealers and extortionists arrested, and the information is being published in the media, he added. The home minister said the country’s overall law and order situation should not be assessed based on one or two isolated incidents, stressing that the government is continuing its efforts to ensure public safety and maintain peace in society. “We have always told you this. We speak to the press almost every day. We are continuing our efforts to ensure the security of people and establish peace in society,” he said. Asked about allegations of land grabbing and extortion using political influence, Salahuddin said the government considers a criminal a criminal irrespective of political identity. He said police respond immediately to calls made to the national emergency service 999, go to the spot, make arrests and file cases. “Whoever is involved, strict action will be taken against them and is being taken,” he said. Asked about the role of a former lawmaker in an incident in Mirpur, the Home Minister said the matter is under investigation. Regarding the incident at Radda Clinic, he said negligence of duty has been found on the part of a police officer. “The officer was immediately withdrawn and departmental action has been initiated against him.” The minister also said there was no political involvement in the Radda MCH-FP centre incident. However, he said some of those involved in crimes might have political identities, but the government was taking legal action against them without considering their political affiliations.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said a lack of coordination among the authorities responsible for the hawker eviction drive could be behind clashes at Mirpur in the capital when a police vehicle and three city corporation vehicles were set on fire. He made the remarks while responding to questions from reporters after a meeting at the Secretariat on preparations for celebrating Durga Puja. Asked whether there was prior intelligence about the city corporation’s plan to conduct the eviction drive with police support, the home minister said he had ordered an investigation into the incident. “From what I have learned initially, I have ordered an investigation. I learned that the magistrate responsible and the officials from the city corporation or RAJUK did not properly communicate with the police. I think there was a lack of coordination,” he said. He added that the matter would be investigated further. A clash broke out between hawkers, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) officials and police during an eviction drive at Mirpur in the capital on Wednesday. The eviction drive began around 10am from Mirpur-10 to Mirpur-14 as part of the DNCC’s efforts to clear footpaths and roads of illegal encroachments. At one stage, the hawkers clashed with city corporation officials and law enforcement personnel. A city corporation vehicle was set on fire and a police vehicle was vandalised during the clash, said witnesses. Several media workers were also attacked allegedly by the hawkers while covering the incident.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday directed police force to use own intelligence information to bring “fascist’s associates” to justice and announced rewards for those who play a role in their arrests. “Those who can bring the associates of fascism and Awami forces under the law will be rewarded,” he said while addressing a medal-giving ceremony marking Police Week-2026 at Rajarbagh police lines in the capital. The minister said some of such people have been arrested recently including two “strong associates of fascism” in the previous week and another on Friday. “They had been hiding here all this time. Where was our intelligence support?” he asked, urging police to make effective use of their own intelligence capabilities. He also said legal action would be taken against those attempting to create instability in the country. Citing the United Nations figures the minister said, around 1,400 people were killed in the country in one month during the movement. He also referred to figures relating to extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and deaths in custody over the past 17 years. He questioned whether people would ever want those responsible for such killings and the politicisation of state institutions to return to politics. The minister said those who have not expressed regret, remorse or sought forgiveness after the killings are now speaking from outside Bangladesh. On bringing back convicted fugitives including Sheikh Hasina, the home minister said Bangladesh has formally requested the neighbouring country to return them under the extradition treaty. “We have officially requested the neighbouring country, as per the extradition treaty, to return the convicted fugitives including Sheikh Hasina,” he said. He added that if the individuals concerned voluntarily return to Bangladesh and face the law, the legal process would take its own course. At the ceremony, the home minister presented BPM and PPM medals to 98 police members. Home Ministry Senior Secretary Manjur Morshed Chowdhury, Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir and senior police officials attended the programme. 

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday warned police members that disciplinary violations and criminal offences committed while performing their duties could lead to both departmental punishment and criminal proceedings including sedition cases. “Correct yourselves quickly. If anyone violates discipline or commit any kind of offence while performing duties, we will not limit the matter to departmental punishment,” he said while addressing the medal-awarding ceremony of Police Week 2026 as the chief guest. He said the government has information that some field-level police members are neglecting their duties and, in some cases, secretly providing information or otherwise assisting forces of “fascism.” “We will not limit ourselves only to disciplinary action. If a criminal offence has been committed, justice will be ensured under the criminal law, Penal Code or CrPC, as applicable,” he said. Warning police officers who fail to understand public expectations, the minister said, “If any police officer, regardless of rank, fails to understand public expectations, the consequences will not be good.” He urged police to become people-friendly and refrain from conduct that appears abnormal or undemocratic to people. “People do not want to see us as kings or emperors. They want people-friendly police,” he said, urging senior officers not to engage in activities that cause discomfort, unrest or distress among  people, and not to allow or tolerate such conduct by subordinates. The minister said the government believes in “punishment and reward” and is continuously rewarding the virtuous and punishing wrongdoing, although it might not have been possible to ensure justice in every case. He said the police force was politically misused and abused by the “fallen fascist forces” and was turned against people. Many police members were compelled to follow illegal or unlawful orders, he said, adding that the government gave them an opportunity to reform and regain public trust. At the same time, the minister said minor mistakes made in good faith while performing duties would be considered separately. “If minor mistakes occur while performing duties in good faith, they will certainly be viewed accordingly,” he said. The minister also stressed the need to implement the aspirations for change and a discrimination-free society that emerged from the 2024 student-mass uprising. He said the government would increase the police force’s manpower and capabilities if necessary, including recruiting officers and personnel through extensive short courses. “Police strength, numbers, equipment and logistics will be increased as necessary, and we are increasing them,” he said.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said the government is not at all worried about recent crude bomb blasts, arson and other activities in the capital, saying such acts had been visible earlier. He said those involved in the crude bomb blasts have been arrested while those behind the arson attacks on buses are being identified through CCTV footage, the minister told reporters at Secretariat. He said the government has heard that the “ousted fascist force”, “mafia force” and the banned political party Awami League has announced a “so-called” programme following a verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal. “Perhaps today is the 20th, and they have called it a lockdown. Targeting that, some crude bomb blasts took place at one or two places in the capital at night,” he said. “We have been able to arrest every accused along with motorcycles. They are being interrogated. Those who hurled a crude bomb in front of the High Court gate have also been arrested. Arrests have also been made in  Jatrabari incident,” he said. Regarding the bus arson, the minister said some buses including abandoned ones and those parked at different places at night without drivers or helpers were targeted. “As you have seen, one or two of them were set on fire. We are also trying to find them out by examining CCTV footage. They will definitely be identified and action will be taken against them,” he said. The government is “not paying much attention” to these incidents, he added. Asked about the possible law-and-order situation in the coming months amid a message from ousted former prime minister about returning in December, Friday’s incident at Gulshan and the “lockdown” programme announced for Sunday, the minister said, “We have heard the word lockdown. But where is the lockdown visible here? The nation is rejecting these.” He said Awami League which is accused of killing 1,400 people and carrying out a massacre has yet to apologise to the nation or admit their mistakes. “According to the UN report, it was 1,400, and according to our report, it was more than 2,000.” “They have not apologised to the nation, have not admitted their mistakes and are making statements from abroad,” he said. The minister said the people would never politically accept Awami League in the country, describing such activities as “irrelevant”. “Whether they return in December or February, we have no attention on these matters,” he said. Asked whether the Awami League is taking advantage of the opposition party’s long marches and whether the opposition is providing an opportunity for Awami League to take to the streets, Salahuddin said the government pays attention when the opposition criticises it. Regarding the opposition’s long march, he said, “The opposition has some demands, and they held the long march over those demands. They can do so. This is democratic culture, and they will carry out their programmes. Our responsibility is to help them hold their programmes peacefully. We have done that.” He said a long march was held in Chattogram without any violence or clash, while another long march from Dhaka to the northern region was held peacefully on Saturday. “They have expressed their views. They may have different demands, but if people support those demands, people will speak for them,” he said. The minister said the next election would be held after five years in accordance with the rules and through the democratic process and public opinion would then show whom the people support.“I have no comment on this matter now,” he said. He said the “fascist forces” of the Awami League are carrying out small scale crude bomb attacks in reaction to the ICT verdict and has announced the programme for that reason.“There is no connection with instability,” he said. Salahuddin added that Awami League  has been carrying out such activities for nearly two years and that it was a continuation of those activities. “Whether they have any connection with the opposition’s programme, you should find that out yourselves. I do not want to comment on this,” he said. Regarding the opposition’s demands for resolving the fuel, gas and electricity crises, the home minister said the issues have already been discussed extensively in parliament.  

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said a quick and sustainable political solution to the Rohingya crisis requires strong cooperation from the international community and international organisations. He urged the UN and the international community to keep the Rohingya crisis on the global agenda and ensure that it is not overshadowed by other global conflicts or crises. “Through joint efforts and effective diplomacy by the international community, we must ensure the rapid and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their homeland in Myanmar,” the minister said while addressing a round-table discussion titled “The Rohingya Crisis: Emerging Challenges & Reframing Response Strategies.” The Institute for Global Cooperation Foundation (IGCF) organised the programme at the auditorium of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS). Salahuddin said a permanent and sustainable solution to the crisis is possible with the direct support of leading countries in global politics and the UN. He urged international human rights organisations, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and all other relevant stakeholders to play a more effective role in resolving the Rohingya crisis. “Our main goal is one – to ensure that the nearly 1.5 million Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) currently taking shelter here can be sent back to their own country with full dignity and security,” the minister said. “For this, continued support from the international community and the political role of leading countries are extremely important,” he said. Highlighting the long-term impact of the crisis, Salahuddin said Bangladesh has been providing shelter, food, land, healthcare and basic security for livelihood to more than 1.5 million displaced Rohingyas on humanitarian grounds for over nine years. “But over time, criminal activities, arms and drug smuggling, human trafficking, gender-based violence and activities of armed groups have increased in the camps, creating serious challenges to Bangladesh’s internal security,” he said. Noting that the lives and environment of local communities living near the camps have also come under serious threat, the minister said necessary security measures such as fencing around the camps and a well-regulated movement system have become essential to control crime and ensure the overall security of both the Rohingya population and local citizens. “The present government, under the capable and far-sighted leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is determined to implement a 100 percent successful repatriation,” he said. A “National Strategy Formulation Committee on Rohingya Affairs” has already been formed under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Salahuddin said, adding that another high-level national committee, headed by himself, is active in maintaining law and order, border management and overall coordination. “The government is working with a comprehensive whole-of-government approach involving the civil administration, security and defence agencies,” he said. The minister warned that humanitarian assistance provided indefinitely without a specific and credible repatriation plan could reduce the pressure for a political solution in the long run. “Therefore, going beyond emergency relief assistance, we need to move quickly towards a ‘transitional strategy’, whose main objective will be to create a safe and suitable environment in Myanmar’s Rakhine State for the Rohingyas to return,” he said. Salahuddin expressed hope that through a combination of sustainable international engagement, national unity and a strong security framework, Bangladesh will soon be able to ensure the dignified and permanent repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Public Administration Md Ismail Zabihullah delivered a speech as the guest of honour, while State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam attended the programme as a special guest.    

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said the government is taking initiatives to strengthen technology-based surveillance along the border to combat drug and arms smuggling, human trafficking and illegal trespass. “We are preparing digitally to tackle illegal entry, drug and arms smuggling, and human trafficking. Skilled and trained personnel will be developed for this purpose,” he said. The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the “Border School of Surveillance and Drone Warfare” at the Sylhet Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Sector Headquarters. After the inauguration, he inspected the activities of the training centre and witnessed a practical demonstration of drone technology. Salahuddin said the BGB is being modernised to curb criminal activities along the border, which he said will help reduce smuggling and other crimes. He said the Narcotics Control Act is also being strengthened to prevent the spread of drugs. The minister said thermal and night-vision drones will be deployed in remote border areas where surveillance by manpower is difficult. “These drones will help detect movements on the other side of the border and enable authorities to take prompt action,” he said. Salahuddin said initiatives are also being taken to manufacture and assemble drones in Bangladesh, which could eventually contribute to the country's defence industry. He said drone technology could play an important role not only in border security but also in relief distribution and rescue operations during disasters. Referring to the advanced drones displayed at the training centre, the minister said sophisticated drone technologies from developed countries will gradually be incorporated into Bangladesh's capabilities. “We have plans to achieve more advanced capabilities within the next one to two years,” he said. On the issue of mob culture, he said the government remains vigilant against the trend and has already managed to bring it under control to a significant extent. During his daylong visit, Salahuddin is scheduled to hold a meeting with senior officials of the district administration and law enforcement agencies at Sylhet Circuit House in the afternoon. He is also scheduled to attend a discussion organised by the BNP at the District Shilpakala Academy marking the party's founding anniversary. Earlier, the minister arrived at Osmani International Airport around 11:20am. It was his first visit to Sylhet since assuming office as home minister.

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 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.  

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday described a recent UN Security Council report on Al-Qaeda’s attempt to establish cells in Bangladesh as assumption-driven, saying the government is not taking any action based on the report. “I have heard about it, but I have not read it,” he told reporters after a meeting of a committee reviewing the report of the Bangladesh Judicial Service Pay Commission, 2025 at the Finance Ministry in Secretariat. “As far as I have heard from newspaper reports, they have made an assumption that something like this could happen. We are not taking any steps based on an assumption-based report,” he said.  The UN Security Council report recently expressed concern over attempt by Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) to “exploit Bangladesh” to establish cells. Asked about the report, Salahuddin said he could not comment without reading it. “There may be some observations in the report. I cannot say anything without seeing it,” he said. Asked about speculation that he could be given responsibility for another ministry, Salahuddin said “I have heard the rumour,” he said.