News Desk
The government has reaffirmed a nationwide “zero tolerance” policy against terrorism, narcotics, extortion and other criminal activities as part of intensified security preparations ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on May 26.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting the National Operation Monitoring Center at the Bangladesh Police Headquarters in Dhaka, the minister said law enforcement agencies have been placed on heightened alert to ensure public safety and maintain law and order during the upcoming Eid holiday period.
He said the administration is determined to restore discipline and strengthen the rule of law following what he described as years of disorder and criminalization. “The government will continue its zero tolerance stance against terrorism, drugs and extortion,” he stated, adding that security agencies remain fully prepared and vigilant nationwide.
During his visit, the Home Minister reviewed ongoing monitoring activities and issued directives to on-duty police officials. He noted that the Central Monitoring Cell, which operates throughout the year, has been significantly reinforced from seven days before Eid until seven days after Eid to ensure continuous surveillance and rapid response capability.
According to him, major transport corridors and sensitive locations across the country—including key highways, cattle markets, the Jamuna Bridge, Padma Bridge, and expressways—have been brought under round-the-clock monitoring. He added that CCTV coverage has been expanded, and in areas where surveillance infrastructure is limited, police personnel have been equipped with body-worn cameras to enhance oversight and accountability.
Addressing road safety concerns during the Eid travel rush, the minister said the number of road accidents this year is comparatively lower than in previous years. However, he emphasized that a few incidents still occurred due to negligence and risky travel behavior. He cited a recent accident involving roof passengers on a rod-laden truck in Naogaon and urged citizens to exercise caution while traveling during the holiday period.
The Home Minister also highlighted government measures to regulate cattle markets, stating that strict action is being taken against unauthorized or illegal markets. He mentioned that an illegal cattle market operating under the metro rail line in Mirpur was shut down immediately as part of enforcement efforts.
To address concerns over counterfeit currency circulation in cattle markets, he said adequate fake note detection machines have been deployed in coordination with Bangladesh Bank, commercial banks, and police authorities.
Referring to recent attacks on law enforcement personnel in Narayanganj and Jangal Salimpur in Chattogram, Salahuddin Ahmed warned that the government would respond firmly to organized criminal activity and terrorism. He said coordinated operations had already disrupted attempts to establish what he described as a “state within a state” in Jangal Salimpur, resulting in arrests and recovery of weapons.
He further announced plans to develop an integrated “security and administrative hub” in the area, which would include facilities such as a police academy, RAB academy, police sports complex, and prison infrastructure.
On traffic congestion at the Jamuna Bridge toll plaza, the minister attributed delays to manual toll collection systems and indicated that the government would recommend introducing digital automation, including card-based payment systems, to improve traffic flow.
Regarding recent allegations involving the misuse of surveillance tools and attacks on journalists in Savar, he said three police personnel have already been suspended in connection with the incident. He assured that strict legal action will follow within 24 hours based on verified information.
Senior officials including the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Manzur Morshed Chowdhury and Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir were present during the briefing at police headquarters.
The government’s latest announcement underscores an intensified security posture ahead of one of the country’s largest religious holidays, with authorities emphasizing surveillance expansion, rapid response readiness, and stricter enforcement against criminal networks nationwide.
