Rewards announced for info on looted arms

The government has announced financial rewards of up to Tk 2 lakh for information leading to the recovery of looted and illegal firearms as part of intensified efforts to improve law and order across the country.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said a special unit has been formed with the coordination and intelligence support of various intelligence agencies to recover looted and illegal arms.

He made the announcement while briefing journalists after the Quarterly Crime Review Meeting at the Rajarbagh Police Auditorium on Saturday.

The minister said informants providing information that leads to the recovery of heavy weapons will receive rewards of up to Tk 2 lakh.

Those providing information leading to the recovery of pistols, revolvers, shotguns and similar firearms will receive up to Tk 50,000.

Rewards ranging from Tk 10,000 to Tk 20,000 will also be given for information leading to the recovery of sound grenades, looted tear-gas shells and other looted weapons, depending on the type of arms recovered.

“Today I want to announce something before you – for the recovery of looted arms and illegal arms, we have formed a special unit. With intelligence support from various intelligence agencies, they have already started working,” Salahuddin said.

He said the special operation to recover weapons is already underway across the country and directed the unit to strengthen its activities.

The minister also said special operations would be conducted against drug smugglers, terrorists and extortionists with intelligence support.

“Alongside this, we will conduct special operations to catch drug smugglers, terrorists, and extortionists, and we will carry out those activities with intelligence support from the intelligence agencies,” he said.

Salahuddin said the government was undertaking regular strategic planning to improve the country’s law and order situation and transform the police into a more people-friendly and responsive organisation.

He said the government was also working to improve public confidence in the police and enhance the image of the force.

The minister warned police officers that they would be held accountable for failing to make progress in tackling crime.

According to him, specific timeframes have been set for taking effective action against terrorists, extortionists and drug dealers.

“If any officer fails to show expected progress within this stipulated time, strict action will be taken against them,” he said.

Salahuddin expressed hope that the government would gradually improve the law and order situation in line with public expectations.