United News of Bangladesh

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 Sunday declared that Jungle Salimpur will no longer remain a safe haven for criminal and terrorist groups, saying those behind last week's attack on and demolition of newly established RAB and police camps there have already been identified. “Those who dared to challenge the authority of the state by destroying law enforcement camps have been identified. Jungle Salimpur can no longer remain a safe haven for isolated terrorist groups,” he told reporters after visiting the Alinagar area of Jungle Salimpur in Sitakunda upazila of the district in the morning. The visit came a week after armed criminals attacked and bulldozed newly built camps of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police. The minister said the government has already prepared a list of illegal occupiers in the area and assured long-time residents that they will not be evicted, urging them to inform law enforcement agencies if anyone attempts to spread panic regarding possible eviction. He said Jungle Salimpur will be freed from terrorism through planned and coordinated operations. “For the past 17 years, the Alinagar-Jungle Salimpur area has been known as a safe haven for criminals. We will eliminate terrorism from this area through joint operations,” he said. Besides, similar drives will be conducted in the Betua and Tea Garden areas to annihilate terrorist activities, Salahuddin added. Highlighting government's priorities, he said restoring law and order has been given top importance since the government took office in February. “The government has a comprehensive master plan for Jungle Salimpur. The long-pending issue of relocating the central jail will be resolved soon, and necessary steps will be taken promptly,” the minister said.  

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday urged all to work together to build a discrimination-free, democratic and prosperous Bangladesh in line with the aspirations of the 2024 mass uprising, inspired by the ideals of late President Ziaur Rahman. He made the call while talking to reporters after placing wreaths at the grave of Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital on the occasion of his 45th death anniversary. Describing the day as one of deep sorrow and remembrance for the BNP and the wider public, the minister said Ziaur Rahman had played a vital role throughout his life in safeguarding the country’s independence, sovereignty and development. “He emerged as a historic figure through the proclamation of independence in 1971 and ultimately sacrificed his life in defence of the country’s sovereignty,” he said. The ideals of Ziaur Rahman and late BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia represent the “true path” of Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty and democracy, said Salahuddin. Ziaur Rahman had taught the importance of forging strong national unity to achieve prosperity, he said, adding that BNP continues to uphold the principles of Bangladeshi nationalism and multiparty democracy. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to democracy, the minister said the country will continue to be governed through a fully democratic process. “The spirit of the July uprising will further strengthen the foundations of democracy in the country,” he added. Salahuddin also paid tribute to Khaleda Zia, calling her the “mother of democracy” and praising her sacrifices for the restoration of democratic rights in Bangladesh.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said the current government is committed to strengthening national unity and building the country. He made the remarks while briefing reporters after exchanging Eid greetings with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at his Gulshan residence in Dhaka. The minister said people from all walks of life, regardless of political affiliation, must remain united to build a developed and prosperous Bangladesh. “Our main goal and only slogan is ‘Bangladesh First’. We believe in working together to build the country, putting Bangladesh above all else,” he said. “We want to move forward through strength in unity by taking every citizen along with us,” he added. Referring to the political situation after August 5, 2024, the minister said people in Bangladesh are now enjoying a free, independent and peaceful environment. “In this atmosphere of freedom, the country has been able to celebrate several festive Eids consecutively,” he said, calling on people to pray for the country’s continued prosperity, peace, stability and overall welfare. The Home Minister also said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman visited the graves of late President Ziaur Rahman and thrice-former prime minister Khaleda Zia, at the Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. Later, they also visited and paid their respects at the grave of late Arafat Rahman Koko, the PM's younger brother; and Dr Zubaida’s late father, ex-Navy Chief Mahbub Ali Khan in Banani. They also paid tribute to the 57 military officers, as well as others killed from February 25-27, 2009 in the Pilkhana tragedy, and prayed for the salvation of their departed souls, the home minister said. State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam and the home minister’s son, Syed Ibrahim Ahmed, a member of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s ad hoc committee, were present at the briefing.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said the trial in the rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter in Pallabi, Dhaka, could be completed within five to seven days. “This is actually degradation of social values. We need social reform based on our cultural and religious values. Some negative influences and distorted cultural practices are affecting society,” he said at a dialogue organised by Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat. Referring to a series of recent violence against girls including an incident at Kalabagan, the minister said such crimes reflect a broader social and moral decline. Noting that the government’s primary responsibility is to ensure swift legal action and justice, the minister said, “Our main focus is to ensure the arrest of accused in such incidents in the shortest possible time. In the last three months, we have succeeded in every such case,” he said, adding that no one involved in such heinous crimes would be spared. He also said that the accused in the Ramisa case was arrested within seven hours of the incident and later he gave a confessional statement under Section 164 before a court within a day. Based on that statement, his alleged accomplice, his wife, was also arrested, said the minister. The DNA test was completed within three days after obtaining court approval, while the post-mortem report has already been received, he said. “All documents have been compiled, and the charge sheet was finalised last night,” he said. He also said a special public prosecutor has been appointed to handle the case. The Chief Justice is reportedly considering cancelling court vacation for the special tribunal, while the Law Ministry is handling the matter, he added. 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. The dialogue was chaired by BSRF President Masudul Haque. Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed was present at the event, while General Secretary Ubaidullah Badal conducted the programme.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said exemplary punishment would be ensured in the shortest possible time in the brutal rape and murder case of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter in Dhaka’s Pallabi area. He said police will investigate the murder and submit the charge sheet as quickly as possible, the minister said at a press conference on recent issues at the conference room of the Home Ministry at Secretariat. “The remaining legal process is the responsibility of the Law Ministry. We hope exemplary punishment will be ensured as soon as possible,” he said. He also said police are arresting many criminals who had long remained beyond the reach of law enforcement agencies. Earlier in the day, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman directed the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner to submit the probe report within one week over the murder. The minister said steps will be taken to complete the trial proceedings of the murder case in the shortest possible time. “The government will do everything possible to ensure the speedy completion of the trial over the murder of the child,” he added. Ramisa, a Class-II student, was slaughtered by a tenant of their next-door flat at Pallabi in the capital on Tuesday. The suspect – Sohel Rana – reportedly lured her into his room when Ramisa left her flat in the morning. Later, he raped the girl and slaughtered her. The girl’s decapitated body was found beneath the bed while her severed head inside a bucket in the bathroom. Locals detained suspect’s wife Swapna Akter, though Sohel managed to escape by cutting through a window grille. He was later arrested in Fatullah of Narayanganj in the evening of the same day. On Wednesday, Sohel gave a statement before a Dhaka court confessing to his guilt.  

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.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday directed law enforcement agencies to eliminate middlemen from police stations across the country, including those under Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). He issued the directive while visiting Ramna Model Police Station in the capital where he inspected different sections including detention rooms (thana Hajat room) and reviewed the overall environment. During the visit, the Home Minister also spoke with the Officer-in-Charge and other on-duty police personnel, inquired about their work conditions and listened to their concerns. Emphasising integrity and professionalism, he instructed police members to provide services to the public with honesty, fairness and sincerity. He warned that strict action would be taken if any police officer or member found guilty of negligence or corruption.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday told Parliament that the government is committed to maintaining the law and order situation and has undertaken a series of comprehensive and coordinated measures to ensure it across the country. “The present democratic government remains firmly committed to maintaining law and order in the country and Bangladesh Police has undertaken plans to materialise the various goals of maintaining law and order and are implementing a range of operational strategies in line with government directives,” he said in response to a starred tabled question from independent lawmaker elected from Brahmanbaria-2 Rumeen Farhana.  “Based on intelligence inputs, regular and special drives are being conducted to recover illegal arms, explosives and narcotics, and legal actions are being taken accordingly,” he said. He added, “Checkposts have been set up at key points on roads and highways and both day and night patrols have been strengthened to prevent criminal activities.” Visible police patrols alongside enhanced intelligence surveillance are being carried out to prevent theft, robbery and mugging, he added.. “Community engagement has been strengthened through beat policing, community policing and open house day programmes to ensure public participation in maintaining law and order,” said the minister. The minister also said that modern technology is being increasingly used to combat crime. “Installation of CCTV cameras at important locations and the use of information technology are helping identify criminals and bring them to justice,” he said. He further informed the House that capacity building of police personnel is ongoing through modern training at home and abroad. The Case Data Management System (CDMS) is being used to store records of cases and crimes, which is assisting investigation processes,he added.

The process to increase the manpower of Bangladesh Coast Guard to 10,000 is currently underway, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Tuesday. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a programme marking the 31st founding anniversary and Coast Guard Day 2026 at the Coast Guard headquarters in Agargaon in the capital. The minister said the Bangladesh Coast Guard has become a symbol of trust in ensuring the security of the country’s maritime and coastal areas. Established in 1995 under the visionary leadership of then prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia with the motto “Guardian at Sea,” the force is being developed into a modern and capable organisation through various government initiatives, he added. Coast Guard has been actively engaged in preventing drug smuggling, curbing human trafficking, combating piracy, and protecting forest and fisheries resources in the Sundarbans, said the minister. Over the past year, the force conducted 29 successful drives in the Sundarbans, arresting 35 pirates and recovering a large cache of illegal arms and timber, he added. On modernization of Coast Guard, the minister said three surveillance drones have recently been added to the force. Construction of one multi-role response vessel and two offshore patrol vessels is progressing with funding from JICA and plans are also in place to procure bulletproof high-speed boats through Khulna Shipyard and to add helicopters and maritime surveillance systems in the future, said the minister. Director General of Bangladesh Coast Guard Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Haq delivered the welcome speech, while Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Manjur Morshed Chowdhury spoke as a special guest. During the event, the minister awarded a total of 14 Coast Guard personnel for their bravery and service.