Crackdown to continue as toll nears 100

Home minister Asaduzzman Khan Kamal chairs a meeting over law and order situation ahead of Eid ul-Fitr, at his office in Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday. Photo: PID photo
Home minister Asaduzzman Khan Kamal chairs a meeting over law and order situation ahead of Eid ul-Fitr, at his office in Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday. Photo: PID photo

Home minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Sunday hinted at continuation of the ongoing crackdown on 'drug dealers' until, as he said, the situation comes under control.

He made the government position clear talking to newsmen after a meeting on the security arrangements ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr at the Secretariat, reports UNB.

As many as 93 people were killed in 'gunfights' between the law enforcement and alleged drug peddlers across the country since beginning of the crackdown on 12 May.

Asked whether leaders and activists of Awami League and its associate bodies involved in drug trade will be brought to book, the home minister said actions will be taken following the drug traders' list as instructed by prime minister Sheikh Hasina to maintain a 'zero-tolerance' policy against drugs.

"No one will be spared, no matter what party they belong to."

Without offering any details, the minister also said a member of parliament (MP) has already been 'in custody'.

About the deaths of drug peddlers in "crossfires", Asaduzzaman said they are going for an all-out war against drugs and will try their best to avert such situations.

Inspector general of police M Javed Patwary and other top police officials attended the meeting.

The home minister said close-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) will be installed at all key locations where Eid prayers will be offered.

Additionally, round-the-clock security is being provided to all markets and shopping complexes so that people can shop without fear and no counterfeit currencies can spread, he said.

Asaduzzaman said 70 members of "Ogyan" parties (doping gangs) and 36 hijackers have so far been arrested by law enforcers since the beginning of Ramadan.

The law enforcers will also remain vigil so that no vehicle and vessel can carry excessive passengers, he said.

As Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president Siddiqur Rahman was also present at the meeting, the home minister urged all the RMG owners to pay Eid bonus to their workers by 14 June.

To ease traffic jam, he also asked them to shut down their factories gradually between 12 and 15 June.

In reply, Siddiqur said although it will be impossible to maintain a deadline, the salaries and bonuses will be paid before Eid.