Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday assured that the government will continue its policy of rewarding law enforcement personnel for exemplary performance in curbing crime, while ensuring departmental punishment for any negligence or wrongdoing.
Salahuddin made these remarks while responding to journalists’ queries at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat this afternoon.
“Just as police will be rewarded for success in crime suppression, the system of censure and departmental punishment for negligence or injustice will remain in place,” the minister said.
He highlighted the “commendable and professional” role of the police in the rapid investigation and arrest of suspects in several complex cases, including the sensational Ramisa rape and brutal murder.
Announcing rewards for the officers involved as recognition of their good work, Salahuddin emphasised that while excellence will be valued, no member of the force will be spared if found inactive or involved in criminal activities.
Describing the verdict in the Ramisa murder case as a “milestone” in the country’s judicial and police investigation history, Salahuddin noted that DNA tests and autopsies were completed with precision in a very short time, enabling the prompt filing of a chargesheet.
He further observed that the judge and relevant officials even cancelled their judicial leave (Eid holidays) to complete the proceedings, calling it a unique example of state and social responsibility.
Regarding the swift execution of the court’s verdict, he stated that given the barbarity and significance of the Ramisa murder case, the ministry would draw the attention of the Supreme Court and the Attorney General’s Office to bring the Death Reference hearing forward in the legal sequence.
The home minister also lauded the “sincere and prudent” role of police officers stationed at Goalandu (Daulatdia) Ghat, whose actions saved the lives of at least 50 bus passengers.
Additionally, he cited the police’s success in solving a “clueless” murder case involving a teenage girl in Gazaria, Munshiganj, and arresting the perpetrators in record time.
Addressing the upcoming four-day Director General (DG) level border conference between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF), which begins in New Delhi on Monday, 8 June, Salahuddin said illegal push-ins, border killings, and overall border security would be discussed with high priority.
He reaffirmed that the BGB remains on high alert to strictly prevent any form of illegal infiltration or push-ins.
In response to discussions by Members of Parliament regarding the law and order situation during yesterday’s parliamentary party meeting, Salahuddin stated that regular operations against crime and narcotics are ongoing. He explained that advance information on special operations is not disclosed for strategic reasons.
Furthermore, he informed that the government is working on formulating modern and up-to-date laws to control narcotics and prevent gambling, ensuring criminals cannot exploit loopholes in existing legislation. These legal reforms are expected to make it easier to subject offenders to rigorous punishment.
The press briefing was attended by journalists from various print, electronic, and online media outlets.
