United News of Bangladesh

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.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday told Parliament that former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who was arrested recently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in connection with corruption cases, will be brought back to Bangladesh soon. “An official extradition request will be sent to the UAE authorities through diplomatic channels by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Central Bureau (NCB) of Bangladesh Police will coordinate with Abu Dhabi to bring him back to Bangladesh very soon,” he said. Delivering a statement under the Rule 300 in the House, the Home Minister said the government of Bangladesh was informed through an email sent on June 12, 2026 by the Director General of the Federal Criminal Police of Abu Dhabi under the UAE Ministry of Interior that Benazir Ahmed, an accused in corruption cases, had been arrested by the UAE police. Citing that the former police official is currently accused in various cases filed under the Penal Code, the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bangladesh Passport Order, he said the necessary case documents, arrest warrants and investigation-related papers required for extradition are ready, while the Ministry of Home Affairs has prepared and approved the extradition proposal, to bring him back to Bangladesh very soon. Under the law, a formal extradition request must be sent through diplomatic channels within 30 days from the date of arrest, he said. “This is a historic success for Bangladesh Police. Through this, we will be able to come out of the culture of impunity, InshaAllah,” said Salahuddin. He said the development would also reassure the nation that no one is above the law, no matter how powerful the offender may be. “It would help establish the rule of law in the country and remain a milestone in Bangladesh's history,” he added. Earlier, Bangladesh Police requested the Interpol to issue a Red Notice against Benazir Ahmed and then Interpol requested the UAE Ministry of Interior to arrest him, said the minister.  

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.