Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that the public will judge statements that intentionally label the BNP as extortionists. He made these remarks on Wednesday (September 30) during a press briefing following a meeting on law and order for Durga Puja at the Secretariat.
The Home Minister also revealed that an investigation is underway regarding allegations involving a local Member of Parliament in the demolition of the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur. He emphasized that no one will be spared if their involvement is proven, adding that a police officer is being withdrawn and subjected to departmental action over negligence of duty regarding the incident.
Salahuddin Ahmed said an impartial probe is being conducted into the Radda incident, where the political identity of individuals involved in the crime will not be taken into consideration. Legal action will be taken against those found responsible.
Referring to the land grabbing and shooting incident in Mirpur, the Home Minister noted that police rushed to the scene immediately upon receiving a call on the national emergency hotline 999. In addition to making arrests and collecting evidence, the investigation is actively progressing. He explained that upon receiving a complaint, a case is recorded following a preliminary verification according to procedure.
Addressing allegations aimed at the government or the BNP, he remarked that the public will be the judge of statements that blindly accuse the government or purposefully frame the BNP as extortionists. He maintained that no extortion took place during the incident and that the matter is being investigated objectively.
The Home Minister further mentioned that the clash between hawkers and police in Mirpur has also been brought under investigation. Preliminary findings indicate that the executive magistrate in charge of the eviction drive failed to coordinate properly with the police, leading to a breakdown in coordination.
Speaking on the overall law and order situation in the country, Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the government is actively working to ensure public safety and foster social peace. He urged that the country’s overall law and order situation should not be assessed based on one or two isolated incidents.
He concluded by reiterating that police drives against extortionists, terrorists, armed operatives, and drug dealers are ongoing and will be further intensified.
