Staff Reporter:
Water Resources Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Joint Secretary General Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee on Friday warned that no one would be spared if found involved in the drug trade, saying law enforcement agencies had been instructed to take action without political interference.
Speaking at a brief public meeting at the premises of Dakshin Chiladi Government Primary School in Lakshmipur Sadar upazila, Anee alleged that the Awami League had controlled the drug trade during its 17 years in power.
“If anyone from the BNP now tries to take control of that drug trade, there will be no escape for them,” he said.
He alleged that some influential individuals were still involved in drug trafficking, warning that their influence would not protect them from legal action.
The minister said police and other law enforcement agencies had been directed to carry out anti-drug operations independently.
“The officers-in-charge (OCs) of police stations have been instructed not to entertain any recommendations regarding drug-related cases. There will be no scope for lobbying. The administration will perform its duties independently, while politics will continue separately,” he said.
He also warned that immediate action would be taken against anyone responsible for disrupting law and order. Addressing women at the meeting, Anee said the government was implementing various initiatives for women’s welfare and economic empowerment.
He claimed that under the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the government was providing financial assistance to female heads of households through family cards, enabling many women to save money after meeting household expenses.
District Ulama Party President Shah Mohammad Emran and former Dighali Union Parishad chairman Golam Sarwar, among others, were present at the programme.
