464 murder, 666 rape cases logged nationwide

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has informed Parliament that since the current government assumed office on February 17, a total of 464 murder cases and 666 rape cases have been filed across the country.

He made the disclosure on Tuesday during the question-and-answer session of the National Parliament, responding to a query from National Citizens Party (NCP) MP Hasnat Abdullah for Comilla-4 constituency. The session was held under the chairmanship of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

The Home Minister said that in the murder cases, 604 accused have been arrested, while 530 individuals have been arrested in rape cases. Among them, 11 accused in murder cases and 71 accused in rape cases have been released on bail.

He further said that law enforcement agencies are closely investigating these cases to ensure strict punishment for those involved in serious crimes. According to him, efforts are underway to complete investigations quickly and submit charge sheets based on evidence.

In response to another question from Jamaat-e-Islami MP Md. Mujibur Rahman, the minister said that crimes such as land grabbing, extortion, and other illegal activities are severely harmful to society and the state. He stressed that maintaining law and order is essential for national development.

Referring to past political conditions, he alleged that during the previous long-term government, various criminal activities including land grabbing, extortion, and tender manipulation increased significantly.

He added that the current government is maintaining a “zero tolerance” policy, which has helped reduce such crimes.

Providing updates on police manpower, the Home Minister said there are currently 2,18,554 posts in the police force, including police and non-police categories. He added that 14,500 new posts are being created, including 500 Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) posts, 4,000 Sub-Inspector (SI) posts, and 10,000 constable posts.

He also informed Parliament that recruitment has begun against 2,703 vacant constable posts and that 2,000 Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI) will be recruited directly.

In response to another question, he said the investigation report of the Enforced Disappearance Commission is being preserved at the National Human Rights Commission, and legal assistance is being provided to victims and their families.

The Home Minister further stated that the government remains committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety through coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies.