Planned operations will be launched soon in Teknaf to curb drug and human trafficking, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Tuesday, as he instructed law enforcement agencies to work in a more coordinated manner to make Bangladesh drug-free and stop crimes such as human trafficking through sea routes.
The home minister made the remarks as chief guest at a farmer card distribution event at the Teknaf Upazila Ejahar Balika High School ground.
“Human trafficking has emerged as a serious problem in the Teknaf, Ukhiya, and Cox’s Bazar regions. To address this situation, instructions have been given to strengthen surveillance at all relevant points and conduct coordinated operations,” he said.
He also called upon the general public to cooperate by providing information, saying awareness and information sharing would make law enforcement activities more effective.
The home minister also expressed concern over gambling and online gambling, which he said have become social ailments. The government is conducting research to address the problem, and necessary steps will be taken, he added.
Earlier in the morning, the home minister visited the Teknaf land port, which has been closed for a year. He inspected the facility and exchanged views with relevant officials and law enforcement members.
Import-export activities through the port have been suspended due to internal instability in Myanmar and deterioration of the border situation, resulting in revenue loss for the government and stagnation in local trade and commerce.
Those concerned hope that if the port becomes operational again, the local economy will be revitalised and bilateral trade will also be revived.
At the farmer card distribution event, cards were handed over to 1,698 farmers. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman virtually joined the event to inaugurate it.
Also present were Members of Parliament Shahjahan Chowdhury, Lutfar Rahman Kajal, and Alamgir Muhammad Mahfuzullah Farid, Zila Parishad Administrator ATM Nurul Bashar Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner Md A Mannan, Police Superintendent ANM Sazedur Rahman, BGB Ramu Sector Commander Mohiuddin Ahmed, and other officials.
