United News of Bangladesh

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday stressed the need for government officials and employees to remain completely free from political bias and discharge their duties with patriotism, integrity and professionalism to meet public expectations. “People have placed high expectations on the present government. Transparency and accountability must be ensured at every level of the administration to fulfil those expectations,” he said. The minister made the remarks while inaugurating a 4-day workshop titled “Efficient, Citizen-friendly and Accountable Public Administration: Strategies for Implementing the Government’s Commitments” at the BCS Administration Academy auditorium at Shahbagh, marking National Public Service Day 2026. He said the civil service, as the state's main driving force, must move away from the trend of politicisation witnessed over the past 17 years and transform itself into a true public service institution while ensuring transparency and accountability at every level of the administration. Salahuddin Ahmed said workshops should produce tangible benefits for the public instead of serving as ceremonial events or attracting the attention of higher authorities. The minister said the civil servants should consider themselves public servants rather than rulers. “You are among the most privileged sections of society. Do not see yourselves as rulers; dedicate yourselves to serving the people.” Salahuddin Ahmed also stressed the need for comprehensive reforms in the country's statistical system, alleging that key national statistics have been distorted for political purposes during the previous regime. He said inaccurate data were presented on the population census, agricultural production and per capita income, underscoring the need to strengthen the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) as one of the country's most important institutions for evidence-based policymaking. Highlighting economic priorities, Salahuddin Ahmed said agriculture and remittances should receive the highest attention to strengthen the country's economic foundation. He said Bangladesh still depends heavily on its farmers and agricultural sector and called for the development of agro-based industries by expanding agriculture, fisheries and livestock production. The Minister also emphasised the importance of vocational and technical education to transform the country's large population into a skilled workforce. He added that the government is also considering revitalising the Family Planning Department to address the country's rising birth rate. Salahuddin Ahmed said policy decisions are formulated by the government based on its political mandate, while civil servants are responsible for translating those policies into programmes, preparing projects and ensuring proper implementation through monitoring by the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED). He instructed officials to strictly follow existing rules and regulations while implementing the elected government's election manifesto and its 31-point commitments, saying these represent the mandate given by people.

Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said a vested quarter is attempting to exploit the ongoing protests of students to embarrass the government. "There are certainly some groups that want to embarrass the government. They are trying to exploit various issues by concealing their identities and fishing in troubled waters. That has become evident. It has also been seen that many of those taking part in the protests are, in fact, neither students nor examination candidates," said the minister He came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after attending an award and recognition ceremony for police personnel at the Secretariat. The minister said the Ministry of Education has already clarified its position. Candidates unable to sit for examinations due to inclement weather conditions would be given another opportunity, while students absent from the postponed Chattogram Education Board examinations would be allowed to take the tests using the same question papers once the examinations are rescheduled, he said. Besides an investigation committee has been formed over two erroneous questions in Physics examination paper and candidates would receive marks for those questions, he said. He also said that the Education Minister has expressed regret in Parliament. Asked if he had any message for the protesting students, Salahuddin said the government is not attaching much importance to the demonstrations as the number of protesters remained small in a few districts and outside Dhaka. A culture of entering the Secretariat to demand examination postponements or promotion without examinations emerged during the tenure of the interim government, but the current government would not take any decision that undermines the quality of education, he said. The government remained committed to holding examinations in a malpractice-free environment and restoring standards in the education sector, he said. He also blamed previous practices such as auto-promotion, awarding additional marks and widespread GPA-5 results for weakening educational standards. Referring to the efforts bring back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said Bangladesh has sent the documents sought by India and an Interpol Red Notice has also been issued. “The government wants to bring her back under the Bangladesh-India extradition treaty to face trial. If returned, she would be arrested as a convicted person in accordance with the law before further legal proceedings,” he said. Regarding fugitives staying abroad, Salahuddin said legal procedures have been completed to bring back three accused from India and one from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Interpol Red Notices have been issued and the required documents were sent to the respective authorities. He expressed hope of receiving a positive response from the UAE authorities soon. Responding to a question about flags bearing the Islamic declaration of faith (Kalema), the minister said some individuals are trying to exploit religious sentiments for their own purposes. He also claimed that there are no militant groups operating in the country. On the number of those recognised as July martyrs, he said the official gazette of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs currently included more than 800 names. The number could increase based on DNA testing and new evidence. Cases filed on the basis of false information or by fake complainants would be reviewed and corrected, he said adding investigations would also seek to exclude innocent individuals from charge sheets.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said there would be no scope for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to surrender  as she would be arrested immediately upon return and the court verdict against her would be executed in accordance with the law. He said this at a discussion titled "The Day that Changed the Course of the Mass Uprising" at the TSC Auditorium of Dhaka University as the chief guest. The programme was organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal as part of its month-long observance marking the second anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. “We have always wanted her return through legal means. During the interim government’s tenure, a letter was sent(to Indian government) under the extradition treaty and we have also sent reminders. We want her brought back to Bangladesh so that the verdict against her can be executed," he added. Any extradition is a legal issue; it'll be dealt with accordingly, India says about Hasina The minister said he had made the government's position clear in Parliament a day earlier. Salahuddin Ahmed also said efforts were underway to bring back other former ministers, MPs and government officials who had supported the previous Awami League government and are now staying abroad. "We have issued Interpol arrest warrants against those who took shelter in different countries. Benazir Ahmed has already been arrested under that process. We hope to bring him back soon and face trial," he said. He said the government wanted to ensure justice for everyone. "Those involved in genocide and those who attacked freedom-loving people of Bangladesh like the Pakistani occupation forces also have the right to due process, and we will bring them to justice," he added. Addressing students, Salahuddin said Dhaka University historically led democratic movements beginning with the Language Movement of 1952 and continuing through the struggle for independence and democratic rights. "The students of DU have always been the driving force behind Bangladesh's democratic struggles. Across the world, students have played decisive roles in shaping history and bringing political change," he said. He paid tribute to Abu Sayeed, Wasim Akram, Mugdha and others who were killed during the July movement, describing the uprising as a chapter written in blood. Salahuddin Ahmed said preserving democracy would be more difficult than achieving it. "We do not want democracy to be suppressed by any authoritarian force again. That is why we want constitutional and state reforms," he said. He said BNP had earlier proposed its 31-point state reform outline which was later reflected in its election manifesto. He said the government wanted the political future of the Awami League to be determined through due judicial process rather than by executive order. "We do not believe in banning a political party through administrative orders. It must go through judicial and legal processes," he said. Drawing a comparison with the post-World War II Nuremberg Trials, Salahuddin said political organisations responsible for atrocities could also face legal consequences. Salahuddin Ahmed urged political forces not to use the spirit of July for partisan purposes. "July is our shared spirit and our collective strength. No single group can claim exclusive ownership of its achievements. The credit belongs to the people of Bangladesh who fought against fascism," he said. He stressed the importance of maintaining the unity forged during the anti-authoritarian movement to prevent the return of authoritarianism. BNP Joint Secretary General Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel and Chief Whip of Parliament Nurul Islam Moni and BNP Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul attended the programme as special guests. Leaders of various student organisations were also present at the event.

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 Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed held a bilateral meeting with Pakistan's Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Naqvi at the United Nations Headquarters, where the two sides discussed strengthening cooperation in counter-narcotics and other issues of mutual interest. During the meeting, the minister underscored the importance of enhancing collaboration in counter-narcotics and broader law enforcement cooperation. He also raised the humanitarian difficulties faced by Bangladeshi-origin Pakistani nationals in obtaining National Identity Cards. The two ministers also discussed issues of mutual interest including the impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict on energy security, trade and regional stability. They also discussed issues of capacity building of respective institutions. During his meeting with Viet Nam's Deputy Minister of Public Security Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Long, Salahuddin Ahmed highlighted cooperation on migration management, consular services, enhancing trade and efforts to combat human trafficking and transnational crime. In his meeting with United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary A. DiCarlo, the Minister highlighted Bangladesh's priorities on peacekeeping and peacebuilding and underscored the need for sustained international support for the return of the Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar. DiCarlo commended Bangladesh's constructive role at the United Nations and its continued contribution to international peace and stability.

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.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday said not a single person has been allowed to enter Bangladesh through illegal push-ins due to the strict vigilance maintained by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) along the country's frontiers. He made the remarks while briefing reporters after attending a discussion and award-giving ceremony organised by the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026 at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. Salahuddin Ahmed said pushing individuals across the border without prior verification is neither a proper nor internationally accepted procedure. "If India has a list of Bangladeshi nationals staying there illegally, it can provide the information through diplomatic channels or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," he said. The minister said the Bangladesh government would verify their nationality through due process and, if confirmed, bring them back through legal procedures. Referring to claims made in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly regarding the pushback of 10,000 people, he said the Bangladesh government has no documentary evidence or verified statistics supporting such assertions. The minister praised the role of BGB, saying the border force remains on maximum alert across all frontiers and has successfully thwarted any attempts by India's Border Security Force (BSF) to push people into Bangladesh. He also suggested that recent push-in activities along the border may have been displayed as part of a political agenda following recent elections in the Indian state of West Bengal. Providing an update on the murder case of Shaheed Osman Hadi, Salahuddin Ahmed said three of the principal suspects had been arrested by Indian law enforcement agencies in Bongaon, West Bengal. He said judicial proceedings have already begun in India following the filing of a case under the country's laws. According to the minister, Bangladesh has formally sought the return of the accused under the extradition treaty between the two countries by sending the necessary legal documents and warrants to the Indian authorities. "We are hopeful of their early handover to Bangladesh," he said. Regarding former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, the minister said the Federal Police of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) informed the Bangladesh government via email after arresting him. The UAE authorities requested the required documents within 30 days, he said. "The Bangladesh government completed all legal and institutional documentation within just three days and sent them to the UAE through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," he added. The documents were formally handed over to UAE authorities by the Bangladesh Embassy in Abu Dhabi a few days ago. Salahuddin Ahmed said Benazir Ahmed is currently in the custody of the UAE Federal Police and Bangladesh is awaiting the final response from the UAE government regarding the next course of action. Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Manjur Morshed Chowdhury, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammad Ali Hossain Fakir and other senior officials of the ministry were present at the briefing.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday told Parliament that among 2,369 people, pushed into Bangladesh by Indian BSF since August 5, 2024, 2,175 were handed over to respective police stations, 11 were returned to the BSF and 183 were pushed back through border. Replying to a starred question from lawmaker Mohammad Abdul Malik (Sylhet-3), he also said the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has thwarted 36 attempted push-ins by the BSF following the West Bengal Assembly elections in India. Responding to a question from MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas (Pabna-5), the Minister said initiatives have been taken to construct barbed-wire fencing along the Myanmar border to strengthen security and curb border killings, illegal infiltration, drug trafficking, arms smuggling and other transnational crimes. He said fencing at sensitive points along the Bangladesh-India border is currently under consideration. Answering a question from reserved-seat MP Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Salahuddin said smuggled goods worth Tk 19.79 billion have been seized from June 2025 to May 2026. During the period, the BGB conducted 375,519  drives along border areas and recovered 18.38 million Yaba pills, 55,908 bottles of Phensidyl, 18,463 kilograms of cannabis and 106,709 bottles of foreign liquor. The force also seized 15.577 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as Ice, 2.08 kilograms of cocaine and 62 bottles of LSD. A total of 2,189 suspects were arrested during the drives, he added. In response to a question from MP Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal (Kishoreganj-5), the Minister said the Department of Narcotics Control conducted 30,744 anti-drug operations nationwide between February 17 and May 31, filed 9,251 cases and arrested 9,685 drug traffickers. He said a nationwide special operation against drugs and terrorism has been underway since May 1 following the government directives. Up to June 8, law enforcement agencies have arrested 10,865 people in 7,688 drug-related cases and recovered large quantities of narcotics. The operation also led to the recovery of 125 illegal firearms and the arrest of 269 people in connection with arms-related offences, he added. Replying to a question from MP A E Sultan Mahmud (Jamalpur-2), Salahuddin said Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken various measures to curb juvenile gang activities and ensure public safety in the capital. He said the DMP's cyber unit has been monitoring Facebook pages, secret groups and TikTok accounts operated by juvenile gangs. The Minister also informed Parliament that Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-2 has conducted 119 anti-mugging drives in Mohammadpur since August 5, 2024 and arrested 252 suspected muggers. Responding to a question from MP Abul Hasnat (Cumilla-4), Salahuddin said the country's 75 prisons have an approved capacity of 45,136 inmates, including 43,107 men and 2,029 women. However, the current prison population stands at 77,040, comprising 74,963 men and 2,077 women, which is about 1.7 times more than the authorised capacity. In reply to a question from reserved-seat MP Selina Sultana, he said prisoners receive 50 per cent of the profits generated from the sale of goods produced inside prisons. Answering a question from reserved-seat MP Arifa Sultana, the Minister said the government, along with the Bangladesh Police, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, intelligence agencies and other relevant organisations, is working to block online gambling and betting platforms and protect the public, particularly young people, from their harmful effects. He said the government has initiated the process of enacting a new law titled the Gambling Prevention Act 2026, replacing the century-old Public Gambling Act of 1867, to curb the spread of online gambling, betting apps and websites across the country.  

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday expressed concern over the growing number of patients addicted to Ice (crystal methamphetamine) being admitted to drug rehabilitation centres across Bangladesh. Speaking in Parliament, the minister said the increase in Ice addiction cases is  alarming and highlighted the need for stronger and more coordinated efforts to combat the spread of narcotics in the country. The Minister said this while responding to a written question of BNP MP M Abul Kalam. He told House that the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) has formulated a 180-day action plan, a work plan for the 2026–27 fiscal year, and a five-year strategic implementation framework in line with the current government's election manifesto. The minister also said a proposal to modernise the Narcotics Control Act, 2018 has already been finalised by a committee formed by the DNC. Describing the strengthening of the DNC as highly relevant in the face of the growing drug menace nationwide, Salahuddin Ahmed said the department has been working relentlessly to curb narcotics trafficking and abuse. He noted that the DNC is conducting regular patrol operations through temporary checkpoints established in border districts to prevent the smuggling of drugs from neighbouring Myanmar and India. The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening anti-narcotics measures and enhancing the operational capacity of the DNC to address emerging drug-related challenges across the country.