No sanctuary for terrorists in Jungle Salimpur: Home minister
He said the government took the situation seriously after a series of violent incidents in Chattogram
Highlights:
- Jungle Salimpur will no longer be terrorist or criminal safe haven, says Salahuddin Ahmed
- Area used to build 'state of miscreants within the state' over 17 years of criminalised politics, minister adds
- Violent crimes prompted government response
- Salahuddin says no immediate eviction plans for settled residents
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that Jungle Salimpur in Chattogram will no longer be allowed to remain a sanctuary for isolated terrorists or criminal syndicates.
Speaking at a press briefing after visiting Jungle Salimpur today (31 May), he said, "Over the past 17 years, through the politics of criminalisation, attempts were made to build a sort of 'state of miscreants' within the state, a direct manifestation of which is this Jungle Salimpur."
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The home minister said the government took the situation seriously after a series of violent incidents in Chattogram, including extortion and shootings targeting businessmen by heavily armed criminals.
To curb such activities, a coordinated joint operation involving law enforcement agencies was launched on 9 March, he added.
According to the minister, criminal groups had established a parallel control system in Jungle Salimpur through CCTV surveillance and organised lookout networks.
He said the joint operation dismantled much of that structure, although information leaks prevented authorities from fully achieving their objectives.
Salahuddin also referred to the demolition of a RAB camp under construction in the area, saying authorities were investigating how criminals had become emboldened enough to challenge the state in such a manner. He added that land grabbers and other key instigators behind the incident were being identified.
Seeking to reassure local residents, the minister said the government had no immediate plans to evict people who had settled in the area due to various circumstances.
"We are a government of the people. Ensuring public safety and peace of mind is our priority," he said, adding that a comprehensive rehabilitation plan would be developed for legitimate residents.
He urged locals not to be misled by rumours regarding eviction drives and instead maintain direct communication with the administration.
The minister also outlined plans to improve connectivity in the area through the development of an integrated road network linking Salimpur union with Sitakunda, the Bhatiari-Hathazari link road and the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar highway.
He said authorities were reviewing drone imagery and road maps to establish infrastructure for police, BGB, RAB and other security agencies, as well as facilities for military deployment if required.
Ahmed further said the district administration had been instructed to expedite the long-pending relocation project of Chattogram Central Jail to government land near the Bayezid Link Road, subject to administrative approval.
He added that operations against criminal elements would continue not only in Jungle Salimpur but also in other crime-prone areas, including Betua and nearby tea garden regions.
The minister urged the media and the public to support the government's efforts to establish the rule of law and ensure long-term security in the region.
