Law and order situation under control, says home minister

The law and order situation across the country remains under control, with law enforcement agencies prepared to prevent sabotage and terrorist activities, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said.

"The law and order situation across the country is under control. Law enforcement agencies are determined to prevent any form of sabotage and terrorism," he said.

The minister made the remarks at the sixth meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Sunday, according to a press release.

The meeting was chaired by committee chairman Zainul Abedin.

During the meeting, the chairman stressed the need to identify and dismantle networks involved in drug production, supply and trafficking. He also called for investigations into the financial networks behind the drug trade and the movement of proceeds generated through criminal activities.

Salahuddin said the government had undertaken an initiative to construct and modernise 108 kilometres of border fencing along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border to strengthen efforts against drug trafficking.

Whip Rakibul Islam called for the deployment of advanced technology along the country's borders, including greater use of drone surveillance, following practices in developed countries.

Another whip, Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu, said tackling drug abuse required a broader social movement, stressing that the responsibility extended beyond any single ministry or law enforcement agency and required collective national efforts.

The committee recommended the timely allocation of necessary funds to strengthen efforts to combat drug-related crimes.

It also reviewed measures to identify vulnerable border areas and routes used for drug smuggling and called for coordinated surveillance, operations and preventive measures involving the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard, police and Department of Narcotics Control.

Among those attending the meeting were State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam, whips Rakibul Islam and Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu, and lawmakers Mohammad Kamruzzaman, Mohammad Monwar Hossain and Shirin Sultana.

The Home Ministry's senior secretary, inspector general of police, director generals of departments under the ministry, heads of relevant agencies and senior officials of the Parliament Secretariat were also present.