Dhaka:Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today called for national unity and public cooperation, rising above political differences, to improve the country's law and order situation, control crime, and ensure public safety.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized that maintaining law and order is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement agencies. Political parties, public representatives, social organizations, educational institutions, and ordinary citizens must play a collective role in this regard. Ahmed delivered his statement under Rule 300 of the Rules of Procedure in the Jatiya Sangsad on the country's law and order situation.
He detailed various government initiatives aimed at curbing crime and ensuring public safety, noting that public participation and mutual cooperation are essential for sustainable improvement. To strengthen public engagement, the government has organized 500 Open House Days and 7,736 courtyard meetings in different areas, allowing law enforcement agencies to hear directly from citizens about their complaints, problems, and crime-related information.
The government has also taken steps to form institution-based committees to prevent drug abuse and upazila-level committees to curb juvenile gangs. Salahuddin stated that the government remains committed to human rights and the rule of law, stressing that law enforcement agencies must operate professionally and impartially, free from political influence.
Efforts to strengthen police capacity include recruitment, infrastructure development, and the expansion of technology-based services. A proposal to create 24,677 posts in different police ranks under the revenue budget is currently under process. Salahuddin highlighted a decline in murder cases to 2,651 during February-October this year, compared to 2,938 in the same period last year, and a decrease in incidents of violence against women and children by 125 compared to the previous year.
To facilitate citizen services, the government has expanded online services, issuing 1,563,353 general diaries (GDs) and 770,754 police clearance certificates through online platforms in the past nine months. Regarding the border situation, Salahuddin reported that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant against push-in attempts, with a significant decline in such incidents after the current government assumed office.
He also addressed issues related to the border, noting a decrease in the number of Bangladeshis killed in shootings by the Border Security Force (BSF) and Indian nationals, from 22 last year to 12 this year. Border surveillance and operations to recover firearms, ammunition, and explosives have been strengthened.
The minister further discussed initiatives to increase manpower and operational capacity through recruitment, promotions, and procurement of modern equipment and vehicles. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved a proposal to procure 5,830 vehicles for the police, alongside ongoing construction and renovation of various police facilities.
Salahuddin accused the Awami League of incorporating arson into their political culture, citing a 2004 incident during an Awami League-called hartal in Dhaka where a double-decker BRTC bus was set on fire, resulting in 11 deaths. He alleged that a fugitive Awami League leader was directing party activists from across the border to prepare lists of July uprising participants for targeted attacks.
The minister claimed that the government has evidence linking fugitive ministers, lawmakers, and leaders of the ousted Awami League government to recent unrest and labor movements. He called on people from all walks of life to act responsibly and work together in the national interest to further improve the country's law and order situation.