Drug dealers’ list in progress, won’t be public
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the government is compiling a comprehensive list of drug dealers, but clarified that it will not be released publicly to avoid political influence and errors.
Speaking to journalists after attending a district law and order committee meeting at the Cox’s Bazar district administration office on Monday, the minister emphasised the professional approach being taken in preparing the list.
“If the list is made public, it may become politically influenced and contain errors,” he said.
The two-hour meeting, held in the district administration conference room, also addressed various aspects of crime prevention, including mob incidents, anti-terror measures, and drug control.
Mob violence and Anti-terror operations
Salahuddin Ahmed stressed that not all incidents should be labeled as “mob violence,” noting that many are isolated crimes that fall under specific criminal definitions. However, he warned that any mob activity on public roads would be dealt with strictly, highlighting the government’s determination to prevent the spread of mob culture in Bangladesh.
On anti-terror efforts, he mentioned that operations have been intensified nationwide, citing a joint drive conducted in Chattogram on 8 March.
“No terrorist, armed criminal, extortionist, or organized offender will be allowed to stay outside the law,” he stated.
The minister also confirmed that the government is taking steps to repatriate two accused in the Hadi murder case, who were arrested in India. The Ministry of Home Affairs has requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate their return under the existing extradition agreement.
Cox’s Bazar sea Beach and public safety measures
Referring to the management of Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach, the world’s longest natural sea beach, the minister said all illegal and temporary structures will be removed within a week under the supervision of the district administration and a newly formed beach management committee.
He emphasized the need to develop the beach according to national and international standards, ensure cleanliness, and prevent activities that inconvenience tourists.
To improve overall law and order, CCTV cameras will be installed at key locations across Cox’s Bazar town under police supervision. Measures to curb drugs and gambling will be strengthened, particularly along the Ukhiya-Teknaf road and border areas, with joint operations conducted by the Department of Narcotics Control, police, RAB, and BGB.
Traffic and transport regulations
The minister added that traffic management in the town will be improved through additional manpower deployment.
The number of battery-run autorickshaws and other non-motorized vehicles will not be allowed to increase. Strict rules will also be enforced for vehicle licence renewals, and licences will be canceled if multiple vehicles are operated under a single permit.
Salahuddin Ahmed assured that these measures would be implemented without negatively affecting low-income residents.
