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State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges and Railways Habibur Rashid Habib has warned that no BNP leader or activist involved in criminal activities will be spared, regardless of their political identi
He also warned that organisational action would be taken against party leaders and activists who shelter, protect or patronise criminals.
“Any activity that harms people or the area will not be tolerated. Even if it is politically damaging, there will be no compromise with criminals,” he said.
The state minister was speaking at a tree plantation and fish fry release programme at the Sri Sri Bordeshwari Kalimata Temple grounds in the Rajarbagh-Sabujbagh area of Dhaka on Saturday.
Speaking about drug abuse and other crimes, Habibur Rashid said people involved in drug trafficking, terrorism and extortion must be brought to justice irrespective of their political affiliation.
“Even if anyone from the BNP is involved in such crimes, they will not be spared. Organisational action will also be taken against party leaders and activists who shelter or patronise criminals,” he said.
He urged the administration not to consider the political identity of suspects when taking action against drug-related offences.
“Do not consider anyone’s political identity while arresting people involved in drug abuse. Whoever they are, arrest them and send them to court. We want them punished,” he said.
The state minister said merely blaming the administration would not be enough to combat drug abuse and other crimes, calling for collective action involving political parties, civil society and local communities.
“Everyone must unite against drug abuse. The BNP’s affiliated organisations must also play a united role in this regard,” he said.
Habibur Rashid said internal factionalism sometimes leads some party leaders and activists to shelter or patronise people involved in illegal activities for personal or political gain.
He warned that such individuals would also face consequences.
“The government has taken the strongest position against terrorism, extortion and drugs. If any leader shelters or patronises criminals for personal interests, they will be identified. Organisational and legal action will be taken against them,” he said.
He also called on local party leaders and activists to remain vigilant against criminal activities in their areas and not to use political influence to protect offenders.
Speaking about development activities in his constituency, Habibur Rashid said people had elected the current government through their votes and therefore had high expectations from it.
He said the demands for better roads, street lighting, waste management and other civic services were legitimate and that several development projects were already under way.
According to the state ministry, work on a road in Maniknagar was initiated after it was tendered following the appointment of Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and valiant freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam.
Work has also begun on the road from Dhalpur-Maniknagar to Dhalpur Mugda Hospital and on the road beside the hospital. Construction work on the Basabo-Madertek road is also under way.
“All three of these projects are currently underway. The development activities that people are demanding are being implemented,” Habibur Rashid said.
He praised DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam for taking development initiatives despite financial constraints facing the city corporation.
“Local residents do not demand much. They want to travel safely on roads, have functioning streetlights and ensure proper waste removal,” he said.
The state minister also warned BNP leaders and activists against negligence in waste management, saying organisational action would be taken if party workers were found involved in irregularities related to the service.
He particularly directed the DSCC administrator to take legal action under the City Corporation Act against anyone found negligent in waste management in Ward No. 5 or involved in collecting excessive fees.
Habibur Rashid said the current government was elected by the people’s votes and therefore remained accountable to them.
“Everyone must play a responsible role in building a Bangladesh free from terrorism, extortion and drugs,” he said.
DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam, President of the Bordeshwari Kalimata Temple and Cremation Ground Management Committee Babu Paban Das, General Secretary Babu Guru Das, and local BNP leaders and activists attended the programme.