DHAKA – Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad has announced that the government has initiated a plan to gradually withdraw members of the Armed Forces—comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force—from field-level law enforcement duties. The Minister shared this information during a press briefing held at the Secretariat on Thursday, 7 May 2026, following a high-level meeting regarding stone extraction in the Sylhet region.
Transition to Civil Authority
Addressing the media, the Home Minister explained that the decision stems from the restoration of a stable political environment. He noted that since an elected political government is currently in power and the operational capabilities of the police force have been revitalised, the prolonged deployment of the military for internal security is no longer deemed necessary.
“The activities of the police force have gained significant momentum,” Minister Ahmad stated. “Consequently, there is no requirement for the Army to remain on duty in the field for an extended period. We are, therefore, taking the initiative to withdraw armed forces personnel in a phased manner.”
The Minister further clarified that the specific timeline and technicalities of the withdrawal—including the logistical process of returning to barracks—would be finalised following comprehensive internal discussions and strategic evaluations.
Regulation of Stone Extraction
In addition to security matters, the Minister provided details on the regulation of stone extraction in the Sylhet and Sunamganj districts. To balance economic activity with ecological preservation, a specialised committee has been formed, headed by the Divisional Commissioner of Sylhet. This committee includes environmental experts and technical specialists tasked with drafting a sustainable framework for the industry.
The committee is mandated to oversee several critical parameters to ensure that extraction does not lead to environmental degradation.
| Category | Regulatory Focus and Mandate |
| Zonal Demarcation | Identification of specific geographical areas permitted for extraction. |
| Technical Depth | Establishing the maximum permissible depth for excavation. |
| Volume Control | Setting quotas on the total quantity of stone to be extracted. |
| Environmental Protection | Implementing measures to preserve the local ecosystem and biodiversity. |
| Conservation Strategy | Determining methods for the long-term preservation of stone resources. |
Governance and Environmental Stewardship
The Home Minister emphasised that the committee’s findings would dictate how, where, and to what extent stone can be harvested. By involving experts, the government aims to prevent the unregulated depletion of resources that has previously threatened the topography of north-eastern Bangladesh.
This dual announcement reflects a shift in the administration’s focus toward strengthening civilian institutions and implementing expert-led environmental policies. The phased withdrawal of the military signifies a return to standard governance protocols, while the formation of the stone extraction committee highlights a structured approach to resource management in the Sylhet division. Further updates on the withdrawal process are expected following the conclusion of inter-departmental consultations.