Dhaka: The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an office order to reconstitute the District Law and Order Committee, intending to enhance coordination among administrative authorities, law enforcement agencies, and key stakeholders to maintain peace and stability at the district level.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the order from the ministry's Political Branch-2 introduces a strengthened structure and expanded mandate for the committee to address law and order situations and combat criminal activities. The revised framework mandates regular reviews of crime incidents, along with the formulation and implementation of strategic plans to maintain order across the district.
The committee is empowered to take effective measures to prevent criminal and anti-social activities, specifically targeting serious offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, abduction, acid attacks, eve-teasing, trafficking of women and children, juvenile gang crimes, and drug trafficking and abuse. It also aims to foster coordinated efforts among law enforcement agencies like Police, Ansar, and VDP, while encouraging public participation in crime prevention initiatives.
Under the new structure, the District Magistrate will serve as Chairperson, with the Additional District Magistrate as Member Secretary. The Superintendent of Police is instructed to attend meetings with relevant data and information. The committee will convene at least once a month, with the option for additional meetings as needed. It is authorized to co-opt any government official or head of office as a member based on local requirements.
Committee members include key district-level officials such as the Superintendent of Police, Superintendent of Police (DSB), Deputy Police Commissioner (for metropolitan districts), representatives from the Armed Forces Division, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), or Coast Guard (in border or coastal districts), Civil Surgeon, Superintendent of District Sadar Hospital, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Joint Director/Deputy Director of NSI, District Livestock Officer, District Fisheries Officer, and other relevant officials.
Additionally, members will include Upazila Parishad Chairmen or Administrators, Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs), Additional or Assistant Superintendents of Police (Circle), District Commandant of Ansar and VDP, Mayors or Administrators of municipalities, representatives from the District Bar Association, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, District Press Club, Public Prosecutor, principals of government colleges, District Education Officer, DGFI representative, District Women Affairs Officer, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services, Jail Superintendent, a nominated Freedom Fighter representative, five eminent citizens - including at least one woman - and representatives from the District Anti-Corruption Committee.
All Members of Parliament from the respective district will serve as advisers to the committee. They will receive regular updates on meeting proceedings and be invited to attend meetings through separate notices. Officials stated that the reconstitution aims to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and ensure a proactive, coordinated response to law and order challenges at the grassroots level.