Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has issued a stern warning against criminal elements in the Jungle Salimpur area of Chattogram, asserting that the government will implement rigorous measures to neutralise lawlessness. Speaking at a press briefing held at the Police Headquarters on Tuesday, the Minister addressed several critical issues ranging from regional security to preparations for the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha festival.
Table of Contents
Restoring the Rule of Law
During the briefing, Minister Ahmed highlighted the historical instability of Jungle Salimpur, describing it as a territory that had previously functioned as a “state within a state.” He attributed this to a prolonged seventeen-year period marked by a lack of the rule of law and an epidemic of misrule.
Recent attacks on the Police and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in the region have prompted a strategic response. The Minister confirmed that joint operations have already yielded significant results, including the recovery of illegal firearms and the arrest of high-profile criminals. He stated that the government’s resolve to dismantle terrorist dens is unwavering and that visible actions against those responsible for the recent violence will be apparent shortly.
Strategic Redevelopment Plans
To ensure permanent stability, the government plans to transform the character of Jungle Salimpur through institutional development. The following facilities are proposed for the area:
A Police Academy
A RAB Academy
A comprehensive Sports Complex
Eid-ul-Adha Preparations and Public Safety
The Ministry has coordinated a comprehensive security plan for the Eid-ul-Adha period. Enhanced surveillance will be in effect from seven days prior to the festival until seven days after. This includes the deployment of additional personnel and the continuous monitoring of national highways.
| Key Area of Focus | Government Measures & Directives |
| Highway Safety | Continuous monitoring; condolences offered for the 15 fatalities in Tangail. |
| Livestock Markets | Deployment of counterfeit currency detection machines; bank involvement. |
| Waste Management | Mandatory removal of sacrificial waste within 24 hours. |
| Border Security | Management of localized firing incidents through flag meetings. |
| Toll Management | Consideration of automated toll systems to replace manual collection. |
Market Regulation and Border Security
Minister Ahmed emphasised that no livestock markets will be permitted outside of officially authorised locations. To combat the circulation of forged banknotes, the government and various commercial banks have distributed detection machines across sanctioned markets.
Regarding border tensions, the Minister noted that while isolated firing incidents have occurred, they are being resolved through diplomatic flag meetings. He reassured the public that there is no situation necessitating national-level concern. Furthermore, on the issue of drug trafficking in Savar, he urged the media and public to provide specific evidence, promising immediate departmental action against any reported irregularities.
The Minister concluded by stressing that the establishment of the rule of law remains the government’s primary objective, ensuring that no part of the country remains a sanctuary for criminals.