Home Minister Urges Police to Step Up Fight Against Crime

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday directed police to play a more active role in eliminating terrorists, extortionists and drug dealers and improving the country's law and order situation.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting Dr Md Asadur Rahman, head of the ENT department at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), who was injured in an attack over an alleged extortion demand.

Dr Asadur was assaulted by miscreants on August 17.

The home minister said police had arrested four of the seven accused in the attack but needed to take further action.

“Four among the seven accused of attacking Prof Asadur have been arrested. But police has more work to do. We want to eliminate the terrorists,” he said.

Salahuddin said the government had instructed the relevant authorities to take swift action against people involved in extortion and drug trafficking in Dhaka and other metropolitan areas.

He also warned that action would be taken against law-enforcement personnel who failed to perform their duties.

“We are making a list of the extortionists. Actions will be taken against any police official who will be found associated with extortion,” he said.

The minister added that police activities would be strengthened to improve law and order and curb criminal activities.