Govt to step up crackdown on extortionists: Home minister

The government will intensify ongoing drives against terrorists, armed criminals, drug dealers and extortionists, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Wednesday.

“Lists of terrorists, armed criminals, drug dealers and extortionists are maintained by the police and regularly updated,” he told reporters after a meeting at the Secretariat on preparations for Durga Puja celebrations.

He said police regularly compile and update data on arrests of people involved in such crimes, with the information also being shared with the media.

Salahuddin urged people not to judge the country’s overall law and order situation based on isolated incidents, saying the government was continuing efforts to ensure public safety and maintain peace.

“We have always told you this. We speak to the press almost every day. We are continuing our efforts to ensure the security of people and establish peace in society,” he said.

Asked about allegations of land grabbing and extortion allegedly carried out using political influence, the minister said the government would not make distinctions based on political identity.

“A criminal is a criminal, regardless of political identity,” he said.

Salahuddin said police respond promptly to calls made to the national emergency helpline 999, visit the scene, make arrests where necessary and file cases.

“Whoever is involved, strict action will be taken against them and is being taken,” he said.

Regarding the alleged involvement of a former lawmaker in an incident in Mirpur, the minister said the matter was under investigation.

On the incident at Radda Clinic, he said a police officer had been found negligent in performing his duties. The officer was immediately withdrawn and departmental proceedings were initiated against him, he added.

The minister also ruled out political involvement in the incident at the Radda MCH-FP Centre.

He acknowledged that some people involved in criminal activities might have political affiliations, but said legal action was being taken against them without considering their political identity.