United News of Bangladesh

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday pledged to transform Bangladesh Police into a people-friendly force that meets public expectations. “We pledge that the Bangladesh Police will become a people-friendly force in line with public expectations, InshaAllah,” he said while speaking at a discussion and doa mahfil marking Eid-e-Miladunnabi at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan. The Home Minister said no one should expect a revolutionary overnight change in the country’s law and order situation, but expressed confidence that the situation would improve under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. “Under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the leader of the masses, we will be able to improve the law and order situation to a level where public expectations will be met,” he said. The minister urged people to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies by providing information and other necessary support. Salahuddin said changes were being brought to the legal frameworks governing various law enforcement agencies to ensure accountability and transparency in their activities. He said law enforcement personnel were being rewarded, awarded certificates and medals for good and outstanding performance, while the principle of punishing wrongdoers and rewarding those who perform well was being followed. The Home Minister said the present government inherited a fragile law-and-order situation following the 2024 student uprising, along with very high public expectations. He said modernising the law enforcement agencies, boosting their morale and motivating them to work as servants of the people were being pursued simultaneously. Salahuddin also claimed that during the six months since the government assumed office, there had not been a single major criminal incident where the police failed to apprehend those responsible within a reasonable period or bring them before the law. He said the morale of the police and other law enforcement agencies had improved significantly during the period and that they were now working with renewed strength to combat crime. Referring to several nationally discussed cases, including an incident in Rangpur and the Ramisa murder case, the home minister said those responsible had been brought under the law within a reasonable time and the cases had been handed over to the courts through due legal procedures. He said the government also extended necessary cooperation to help complete judicial proceedings within shorter periods where required by society. BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Chairman’s Advisory Council member Abdus Salam, Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon and Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Anee, among others, attended the programme.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the current government is putting importance on exploration of domestic gas resources, extraction of marine resources to develop the blue economy, expansion of green energy and diversification of energy sources for sustainable economic development. “Unless we extract the resources of the deep sea and harness the potential of the blue economy…..we will lag behind. Why not start it from today? That is why we have made plans,” he said. The home minister made the remark, while addressing a programme marking the 27th founding anniversary of Chattogram Journalist Forum Dhaka (CJFD) at the All Community Club in Gulshan on Friday night. Focusing on Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar based enormous potentials for the country’s economy, he said: "There is only one Matarbari, one Sonadia and one Cox’s Bazar that houses the country’s single marine drive road and the world's longest sandy beach. Still, it remains largely virgin. We have to develop it. Everything is there.” He said Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram should not be known only for tourism destinations but also for economic hubs. “It is not enough to know Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram as tourist destinations, rather we have to complete the process by turning them into economic hubs. We have to flourish and explore their potential,” the minister said. Noting that Bangladesh has yet to properly utilise its marine resources, he stressed the need for initiating a process now to extract marine resources in future. “How many marine resources do we extract? How much seaweed do we extract from the sea? Nothing (we extract). We could not extract the gas beneath the sea either. We have not been able to harness the other potential of the blue economy, including mineral resources,” Salahuddin said. He said the government has also decided to give greater attention to both offshore and onshore gas exploration. “We have focused on our own gas exploration, both offshore and onshore, and decisions have been taken in this regard. But it will take time,” he said. Salahuddin said even if exploration begins today, it could take at least seven to eight years to start commercial extraction and bring the gas into the national grid. “But if we do not start today, we will remain dependent on the same sources even after seven years,” he said. About green energy, he said the government has also set a target of generating between 5,000 and 10,000 megawatts of electricity from renewable energy by 2030. “We will gradually move towards green energy and renewable energy. For that, we have set a target of generating 5,000 to 10,000 megawatts from the renewable energy sector by 2030,” he said, adding that the government has relaxed its policies to attract foreign investment in this sector. The Minister also stressed the need to diversify Bangladesh's sources of gas and energy imports to reduce dependence on a single source. Citing that during the Awami League period, Bangladesh had become dependent on the single sources for gas, he said, “We became dependent on the Middle East and the Gulf,” he added. As the Ukraine war and the Iran-Israel war created crises, now Bangladesh still sometimes has to buy gas from the spot market at two or three times the price, he went on. “So, we’ve decided that there will be no single sourcing. We’re now trying to source gas from Malaysia, Indonesia and various other countries. Discussions are underway with them,” said the Minister. He said the government is preparing a long-term master plan to meet the country's growing energy and power demand in line with economic growth, industrialisation and increasing use by consumers. He said Bangladesh currently generates around 15,000 megawatts of electricity, while peak-hour demand reaches around 17,000 megawatts, leaving a shortage of around 2,000 megawatts, particularly after the evening. “We are meeting this shortage now, but gradually we have to take our generation capacity to 30,000 megawatts,” he said. The minister also said the government has a plan to build an expressway railway from Chattogram to Dhaka. “If this is implemented, it will be possible to travel from Chattogram to Dhaka in just two hours,” he said. The 27th founding anniversary of CJFD was celebrated in a festive atmosphere with the participation of its members. The programme included a discussion, cultural event, cake cutting and dinner. State Minister for Land Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin joined the programme virtually as a special guest. Besides, Prime Minister's Speech Writer SAM Mahfuzur Rahman and Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, among others, spoke on the occasion. CJFD President Shamim Jahangir delivered the welcome address, while its General Secretary Touhidur Rahman conducted the event.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said the police must not serve as an instrument of any political party or group but should instead become a true friend of people and a symbol of public security. The government's priority is to ensure public safety and build a modern, professional and people-oriented police force free from political influence, he said while addressing the graduation parade of the first phase of the 27th BCS (Police) batch at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi. He said the government has taken various steps to restore the morale of the police force which was undermined by excessive politicisation during the previous “fascist government”. The minister said a strict system of rewards for professionalism and disciplinary action for misconduct has been introduced to strengthen integrity and discipline within the force. Congratulating the newly appointed officers who took part in the parade, the minister said this joyous moment should have come much earlier in their lives. He said it was deeply painful that they had endured 18 years of severe deprivation and inhumane suffering as victims of the vindictive actions of the previous authoritarian and fascist government. The minister extended his heartfelt greetings to all the officers for regaining their rightful positions and due recognition following the fall of the authoritarian regime. He said they were beginning their careers at a historic time for the country and urged them to uphold equality before the law. “From political activists to marginal farmers, everyone is equal in the eyes of the law. No one seeking police services should face discrimination,” he added. He also stressed the importance of maintaining the chain of command, discipline, loyalty and teamwork, while urging the officers to enhance their expertise in cyber security and criminal investigation to meet emerging challenges. Reaffirming the government's zero-tolerance policy against corruption, Salahuddin called on all police members to perform their duties with honesty and dedication. The minister expressed hope that members of the 27th BCS (Police) batch would use their knowledge and experience gained over the past 18 years in different professions to strengthen the Bangladesh Police. A total of 58 probationary ASPs — 57 from the first phase of the 27th BCS (Police) batch and one from the 28th batch — officially entered service through the parade. At the ceremony, Probationary ASP Dr Md Nurul Huda Bhuiyan won the Best in Field Activities award and was also named the Best Probationer. Probationary ASP ABM Mamun received the Best Shooter award, while Abu Numan Mohammad Khairul Islam won the Best Academic Award. During the ceremony, the minister inspected the parade, took the salute and distributed awards among the best-performing probationary officers. The event was attended as special guests by Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, local Members of Parliament, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, Principal of Bangladesh Police Academy G M Azizur Rahman, Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr. A.N.M. Bazlur Rashid, and Rajshahi Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Md. Ashik Saeed. Senior military and civilian officials, local and foreign invited guests, guardians of the ASP probationers, and journalists from various media outlets were also present at the ceremony.

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 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 police are expected to submit the charge sheet in the Ramisa Akter murder case to the court by Sunday afternoon. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited the family of slain child Ramisa at Pallabi in the capital at night. “The police department has sincerely carried out its duty and successfully arrested the accused. The accused has also given a confessional statement under Section 164. Now it is time to submit the charge sheet. Before that, the DNA test has to be completed,” the minister said. He said the DNA examination is already underway at the laboratory of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police with court approval. “The DNA test process usually takes 48 hours as it is a scientific procedure. We hope it will be completed by Sunday noon and, InshaAllah, we will be able to submit the charge sheet to the court by Sunday afternoon,” Salahuddin said. He said efforts will be made to complete the trial proceedings as quickly as possible and ensure the highest punishment for the accused. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived at Ramisa’s residence at 9:50pm and stayed there for about 18 minutes. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam and Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Safiqul Islam Khan accompanied him. The Prime Minister met Ramisa’s parents and elder sister, and consoled the grieving family members over the brutal killing. After the meeting, the Home Minister said the Prime Minister assured the family that the government will bear all educational and related expenses of Ramisa’s elder sister Raisa Akter. He also said the Prime Minister promised to arrange safe accommodation for the family within a short time. Salahuddin said the government is considering legal reforms to ensure quicker investigation and trial in cases involving child rape and murder. “If further legal changes are needed to ensure speedy submission of charge sheets and quick disposal of such cases, necessary amendments will be made,” he said. The minister said the issue was discussed at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday and the Law Minister assured that necessary legal reforms will be undertaken. “We will try to ensure that such heinous crimes are not repeated in the country,” he added. Asked what the family sought from the Prime Minister, the Home Minister said the family mainly wanted speedy and fair trial. “They also sought support so that their other daughter can live safely, continue her studies and have a better future. The Prime Minister assured them of assistance,” he said. Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman said the family expressed satisfaction over the swift arrest of the accused and the legal steps taken so far. Police recovered the mutilated and decapitated body of seven-year-old Ramisa from a flat in Pallabi on Tuesday morning. The brutal killing sparked protests among classmates and local residents outside the victim’s residence, where they demanded speedy trial and capital punishment for the killer.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been placed on high alert amid developments following the assembly elections in West Bengal, assuring that the force remains fully prepared to prevent border infiltration and maintain law and order. Briefing reporters at the Secretariat after a meeting on improving the living standards of salt farmers chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he said political changes or internal administrative decisions in any Indian state, including erecting barbed-wire fences along the border, are India’s internal matters. “Bangladesh maintains diplomatic relations with the central government of India based on sovereign equality. The change of political power in any specific state does not affect Bangladesh’s foreign policy or bilateral relations,” the Home Minister said. He said BGB remains on constant vigilance to prevent any unauthorised border crossings and ensure that the security situation remains stable. Responding to a question about information spreading on social media claiming atrocities against minorities following the West Bengal polls and their possible impact on Bangladesh, Salahuddin said many misleading posts were being circulated using old videos. “So far, neither the Home Ministry nor the Foreign Ministry has any information regarding the authenticity of such incidents or any negative impact on Bangladesh,” he said, urging people not to be misled by online propaganda. Turning to salt farmers, the Home Minister the government has taken initiatives to ensure a fair price for salt in line with production costs to achieve self-sufficiency in the salt industry and protect the interests of local salt farmers. He said the Ministry of Agriculture is currently reviewing the production costs of salt farmers so that they receive a proper price for their hard work. “The justification for imports is being verified by assessing the domestic demand for both industrial and edible salt.” Salahuddin stated that, upon the collection of accurate data and in accordance with the directives of the Prime Minister, decisions will be taken in such a manner that the country may achieve complete self-sufficiency in salt production, while ensuring that the farmers do not incur any losses.

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.