Staff Reporter:
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed yesterday said the government has taken a tougher stance on recover-ing illegal firearms and withdrawing false and harassment-related cases.
Speaking after a session of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium, he said directives have been issued to return licensed firearms deposited ahead of the national election in three categories, subject to verification where required.
He added that law enforcement agencies have been ordered to intensify drives to recover around 10,000 illegal firearms that were not deposited during the interim period.
On false cases, the minister said district magistrate-led committees will review politically motivated and “ghost” cases. Victims can apply with supporting documents, and case withdrawal will proceed under Section 494 of the Code of Criminal Procedure following due process, he said.
Highlighting Eid security measures, he said no cattle markets will be allowed on highways or railway tracks. Major markets will be equipped with fake currency detection machines, and police will use body cameras.
A central monitoring cell will be set up at the Police Headquarters ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, and highways will be placed under CCTV surveillance, he said.
The minister also said free salt will be distributed at upazila level to help preserve raw hides for seven days, supporting the leather sector.
On border issues, he said Border Guard Bangladesh has been asked to remain on maximum alert amid developments in West Bengal.
He reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against drugs, gambling and online betting.
Senior officials, including Home Ministry Senior Secretary Manzur Morshed Chowdhury and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, were present.
