Police involved in swift Ramisa case probe to be rewarded: Home minister

Police personnel involved in the swift investigation and arrests in the Ramisa rape and murder case will be rewarded, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said today (7 June).

"Police will be rewarded for good work in curbing crime. At the same time, reprimand and departmental action for negligence or wrongdoing will continue," he said while responding to questions from reporters at his office at the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Secretariat.

Salahuddin said police had played a "highly commendable and professional" role in completing investigations and arresting accused persons in several complex cases, including the Ramisa rape and murder case.

"Good work by police will be evaluated, but inaction or involvement in crime by any member will not be spared," he added.

Calling the Ramisa case verdict a milestone in the country's judicial and police investigation history, the minister said DNA tests and autopsy were completed within a short time and the charge sheet was submitted to the court.

"The judge and court officials had cancelled their Eid holidays to complete the trial. This is a unique example of state and social responsibility," he said.

On carrying out the verdict quickly, the home minister said the Supreme Court and the Office of the Attorney General would be requested to bring the death reference hearing forward, following legal procedures.

Salahuddin also praised police posted at Goalanda's Daulatdia ferry terminal, saying their role saved the lives of at least 50 bus passengers.

He said police had also quickly solved a clueless murder case of a teenage girl in Munshiganj's Gazaria and arrested the accused.

On the four-day BGB-BSF director general-level border conference beginning in New Delhi tomorrow (8 June), the minister said illegal push-ins, border killings and other border issues would be discussed.

He said BGB remains on high alert along the border.

"Any attempt at illegal push-in or infiltration will be resisted strictly," he said.

Asked about discussions on law and order at yesterday's parliamentary party meeting, Salahuddin said regular drives against crime and drugs were continuing.

He said advance information on special operations is not disclosed for strategic reasons.

The minister also said the government is working on updated laws on narcotics control and gambling prevention so that criminals cannot escape punishment by using weaknesses in existing laws.