Staff Correspondent

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday drives against terrorists, armed criminals, drug dealers and extortionists are underway and would be intensified further.

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

The police department is regularly collecting data on the number of terrorists, drug dealers and extortionists arrested, and the information is being published in the media, he added.

The home minister said the country’s overall law and order situation should not be assessed based on one or two isolated incidents, stressing that the government is continuing its efforts to ensure public safety and maintain peace in society.

“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 using political influence, Salahuddin said the government considers a criminal a criminal irrespective of political identity.

He said police respond immediately to calls made to the national emergency service 999, go to the spot, make arrests and file cases.

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

Asked about the role of a former lawmaker in an incident in Mirpur, the Home Minister said the matter is under investigation.

Regarding the incident at Radda Clinic, he said negligence of duty has been found on the part of a police officer. “The officer was immediately withdrawn and departmental action has been initiated against him.”

The minister also said there was no political involvement in the Radda MCH-FP centre incident.

However, he said some of those involved in crimes might have political identities, but the government was taking legal action against them without considering their political affiliations.