Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday clarified that the recent reshuffles and mandatory retirements within the police administration are part of a regular administrative routine rather than political decisions.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the “National Committee on Coordination, Management, and Law and Order of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals” at the Secretariat, Salahuddin explained that recruitment, transfers, promotions, and retirements are conducted through legal processes.
He stated that there is no fixed timeframe for these administrative tasks as they are part of an ongoing process, and that mandatory retirements are reviewed by an internal ministry committee to ensure no injustice occurs.
Law, order and joint operations
Salahuddin pointed out that the government is maintaining a firm stance on law and order to restore public peace and confidence.
He noted that while it will take time to reform “fragile and chaotic” state agencies inherited by the administration, the government is moving in the right direction with a full public mandate following a transparent democratic election.
Regarding criminals released on bail after 5 August 2024, Ahmed warned that while bail is a judicial matter, the police remain vigilant to ensure these individuals do not create further disorder. He stressed that the law will take its own course for all crimes, including murder.
He highlighted a special joint operation launched on 1 May against narcotics, illegal weapons, and extortion. This operation, involving the Police, RAB, and intelligence agencies, adopts a “zero-tolerance” policy aimed at apprehending “drug godfathers” and major smuggling syndicates.
Police Uniform and Rohingya Management Following internal dissatisfaction, the Minister announced a policy decision to return the police uniform to a more traditional style.
While shirt colours for Metropolitan and District police will remain unchanged, the trousers will be changed to “khaki.” This change will be officially implemented once fabric production is complete.
On the management of the 1.2 to 1.4 million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals in Ukhiya and Teknaf, the Minister detailed a coordinated action plan to strengthen security and prevent drug smuggling within and around the camps.
The committee also discussed the leadership and operational aspects of the joint forces.
Parliamentary Success Reflecting on the recently concluded parliamentary session, the Home Minister described it as one of the most successful and effective in history.
He remarked that after 17 years, a vibrant and diverse Parliament has been established, featuring constructive debate between the government and the opposition.
The high-level meeting was attended by Social Welfare Minister AZM Zahid Hossain, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
