Drug dealers’ list being prepared professionally, won’t be made public: Home minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today (9 March) said the government is preparing a list of drug dealers in a "professional manner," but it will not be released to the public.

"If the list is made public, it may become politically influenced and contain errors," he said while speaking to journalists after attending a district law and order committee meeting in Cox's Bazar.

The meeting was held at the conference room of the district administration office around 11:30am and continued for nearly two hours.

He said it is not appropriate to label all incidents as "mob violence." According to him, many such cases are isolated crimes that fall under specific criminal definitions.

However, he warned that any mob situation on roads would be dealt with strictly, adding that the government is determined to prevent the spread of mob culture in Bangladesh.

The minister said anti-terror operations have been intensified across the country, noting that a joint drive was conducted in Chattogram last night (8 March).

"No terrorist, armed criminal, extortionist or organised offender will be allowed to stay outside the law," he said.

Responding to a question, the minister said the government has taken steps to repatriate two accused in the Hadi murder case who were arrested in India.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate their return under the existing extradition agreement between the two countries.

Referring to the management of Cox's Bazar Sea Beach, the minister said all illegal and temporary structures will be removed within a week under the supervision of the district administration and a newly formed beach management committee.

He said the beach, considered the world's longest natural sea beach, must be developed to meet national and international standards. Measures will also be taken to ensure cleanliness and prevent activities that inconvenience tourists.

To improve law and order, CCTV cameras will be installed at key locations across Cox's Bazar town under police supervision, he added.

The minister said strict measures will be taken to curb drugs and gambling. Law enforcement forces have also been instructed to intensify efforts along the Ukhiya-Teknaf road and border areas.

Agencies including the Department of Narcotics Control, police, RAB and BGB will jointly work on the issue.

He also said steps will be taken to improve traffic management in the town. Additional manpower will be deployed, and the number of battery-run autorickshaws and other non-motorised vehicles will not be allowed to increase.

Strict rules will also be enforced in licence renewals, and licences will be cancelled if multiple vehicles are operated under a single permit.

The minister said the government will ensure that such measures do not negatively affect low-income people.