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Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the magistrate in charge during the eviction drive in Mirpur did not communicate properly with the police, leading to a coordination shortfall. He also mentioned that an investigation into the matter has been ordered.
He made these remarks while briefing journalists after a meeting held at the Secretariat on Wednesday (September 30), concerning the security and law and order situation of Durga Puja pandals in observance of Sharadiya Durga Puja.
The Home Minister said that the government is continuously working to ensure public safety and establish peace in society. He added that it is not appropriate to evaluate the overall law and order situation of the country based on one or two isolated incidents.
Regarding the list of extortionists, he stated that such lists are part of the police’s regular activities, and the police always maintain lists of extortionists, terrorists, criminals, drug dealers, and armed individuals. These lists are regularly updated; there is no question of creating any new list.
Salahuddin Ahmed further stated that action against criminals would be intensified, emphasizing that criminals are treated as such regardless of their political identity. He claimed that prompt action is taken upon receiving complaints, and police respond to 999 calls by arriving at the scene, making arrests, and filing cases.
He noted that if action is not taken in any incident, the responsibility falls on the police. However, he asserted that there has been no failure on the part of the police or the government in the related incidents. For the sake of the investigation, all information cannot be disclosed immediately. He assured that strict measures would be taken against anyone involved in the incidents.
The Home Minister also mentioned that it is being investigated whether any Member of Parliament is involved in the Radhha Clinic incident. He reiterated that no one would be spared if involvement is found.
Regarding the incident in the Matikata area of Cantonment Police Station, he stated that he had no information about any case being filed criticizing him in connection with the incident. He explained that if an FIR is submitted, the police conduct an initial investigation before registering it as a case.
He further added that no case has been filed yet in the name of the person who claimed to have filed a case. Instead, the director of the relevant real estate company has filed the case.
Regarding allegations of extortion and statements targeting BNP, Salahuddin Ahmed said that if the government is broadly blamed or BNP is deliberately labeled as extortionists, the public will judge it.
He stated that no incident of extortion occurred there, and Salman Muktadir himself confirmed that no extortion money was demanded from him. He strongly condemned the statements labeling BNP as extortionists despite this.
The Home Minister concluded by saying that the entire incident is being investigated impartially. Anyone involved, whether from New Guinea Properties or the adjacent land, will be brought under investigation, and swift legal action will be taken.