Dhaka: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today announced financial rewards for information leading to the recovery of looted and illegal firearms, while warning police officials of strict action if they fail to curb terrorism, extortion, and drug trafficking within the set deadlines. 'Those providing information that helps recover heavy weapons will receive up to Tk 200,000, while information leading to the recovery of pistols, revolvers, or shotguns will fetch up to Tk 50,000,' he said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ahmed made the announcement while briefing journalists after addressing the quarterly crime review conference for April-June 2026, organised by Police Headquarters at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh. The minister stated that the government has intensified efforts to recover looted and illegal weapons by forming a special unit in coordination with various intelligence agencies.
He further explained that informants could receive Tk 10,000, Tk 15,000, or Tk 20,000, depending on the type of recovered items, including sound grenades, looted tear-gas shells, and other stolen weapons. 'The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential,' he assured. The minister also mentioned that weapons with cancelled licenses that were not surrendered within the stipulated deadline have already been classified as illegal arms, with legal action initiated against the holders. Operations to recover those weapons are ongoing, he added.
Ahmed emphasized that law enforcement agencies had been given specific deadlines to take effective action against terrorists, extortionists, and drug dealers. 'Officials who fail to demonstrate the expected progress within the stipulated timeframe will face strict legal and administrative action,' he cautioned. He outlined that coordinated strategic operations were underway nationwide, with support from intelligence agencies to prevent illegal arms trafficking, drug dealing, smuggling, and extortion.
The minister highlighted the government's commitment to pursuing regular strategic plans to improve the law and order situation and transform the police into a more people-friendly and public-oriented institution, thereby enhancing its image. Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir chaired the conference, which was attended by Senior Home Secretary Manzur Morshed Chowdhury as the special guest, while Additional IGP (Crime and Operations) Khondoker Rafiqul Islam delivered the welcome address. Additional IGP (Administration) AKM Awlad Hossain was also present.
In the session, Ahmed responded to questions from divisional DIGs, metropolitan police commissioners, additional commissioners, and district superintendents of police, exchanging views on crime control and law enforcement strategies.