Home Minister promises tougher stance against crime, extortion

Collected Photo

Police operations against extortionists, terrorists, armed individuals, and drug dealers are ongoing and will be further intensified, according to Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad.

He made the statement on Wednesday (September 30) while answering questions from reporters at the Secretariat.

When asked about the Information Adviser’s statement regarding the government’s list of extortionists, the minister stated that maintaining such lists is a routine task for police. He noted these lists include terrorists, armed criminals, and drug dealers, and are regularly updated.

Police are continuously arresting these criminals across the country, and these efforts will be stepped up, he added.

Addressing concerns raised by 38 prominent citizens regarding land grabbing and extortion using political influence, the Home Minister asserted that political identities are not taken into consideration. He emphasized that criminals are being treated strictly as criminals regardless of their political affiliations.

Responding to a question about state responsibility concerning the midnight demolition of the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur-1, he rejected allegations of government failure. He explained that government liability arises only when authorities fail to act or when the police fail, which was not the case here.

Regarding allegations against a Member of Parliament in connection with the Mirpur incident, the minister stated that the matter remains under investigation. He assured that no one will be spared if their involvement is proven.

He added that a police officer was found negligent in duty regarding the incident, leading to his immediate withdrawal and the initiation of departmental proceedings. Several individuals have already been arrested and face legal action.