Dhaka: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today announced that the government has adopted a stricter approach towards the recovery of illegal firearms and the dismissal of false and harassment-related cases. This decision was articulated following a session of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium, where newly issued directives were discussed.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Home Minister specified that directives have been established to ensure the return of licensed firearms that were deposited ahead of the national election. This process will be conducted in three categories, with verification as needed. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies have been instructed to intensify their efforts to retrieve approximately 10,000 illegal firearms that remain uncollected from the interim period.
Addressing the issue of false cases, Salahuddin Ahmed explained that district magistrate-led committees will evaluate politically motivated and ‘ghost’ cases. Victims are encouraged to apply with supporting documents, after which case withdrawal will proceed under Section 494 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, ensuring due process is followed.
In relation to security measures for Eid, the minister stated that no cattle markets will be allowed on highways or railway tracks. Major markets will be equipped with fake currency detection machines, and police officers will be equipped with body cameras. A central monitoring cell is to be established at the Police Headquarters ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, and increased CCTV surveillance will be implemented on highways.
The minister also announced that free salt would be distributed at the upazila level to help preserve raw hides for up to seven days, aiding the leather sector. On border safety, he noted that the Border Guard Bangladesh has been instructed to remain on high alert due to developments in West Bengal.
Salahuddin Ahmed reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance against drugs, gambling, and online betting. The conference was attended by senior officials, including Home Ministry Senior Secretary Manzur Morshed Chowdhury and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir.