Drive against drugs to be continued: Home Minister

Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal
Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal

Home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said on Tuesday that law enforcement forces will continue drive against drug peddlers in the country, state news agency BSS reports.

“We have declared zero tolerance against illegal drugs and the drive against drug peddlers is being conducted as per the list prepared by five law enforcement agencies,” the minister was quoted by the BSS as saying.

The minister made the observation while interacting with journalists at a ‘meet

the press’ at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity DRU)  in the capital.

DRU president Saiful Islam chaired the programme while its general secretary Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo moderated it.

Asaduzzaman said the government has also prepared the list of traders of illegal drugs and their patrons.

“None, who are in the list, will be spared. We are detaining them who are in the list. If anyone is innocent, he is being released,” he said.

When asked about the government’s steps regarding 200 police officials whose names appeared as the patrons of drug peddlers in the home ministry list, the minister said: “We are not sparing anyone. The alleged officials are facing departmental action and suspension. One or two have already been sent to jail.”

 “The law enforcement agencies are conducting drive against illegal drugs across the country following prime minister’s directive. We are always sincere about illegal drugs and our prime minister also urged all strata of people to come forward to eliminate drug abuse.”

In response to a query, the home minister said that the government is working sincerely with all international community, including the UN, to resolve the Rohingya crisis.

He also informed that the Rohingya issue was one of the main topics in discussion with Indian home minister during his recent visit.

“Our honourable prime minister Sheikh Hasina allowed Rohingyas, who are citizens of Myanmar, to enter Bangladesh on humanitarian ground. Our government has arranged food, housings, medicine and other facilities for them,” he said.

Replying to another query over deputy inspector general Mizanur Rahman, the minister said Mizan was suspended immediately and steps were taken to ensure flawless investigation.

“Departmental or judicial action will be taken against him as per finding of the investigation,” he added.

Regarding BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s treatment facility, he said the government offered treatment at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) as it has all modern healthcare facilities, but she denied.

“We also allowed BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s personal physicians along

with BSMMU specialists for her treatment,” he said.

Kamal said: “Every day, jail doctors are enquiring about her health. I

also inquired the IG prison about her health condition several times.”

Khaleda’s condition did not deteriorate as she was not affected by any new

disease, the minister further said, adding “She was affected by these

illnesses earlier and this is nothing new.”

Replying to another question, the home minister said there was no

extrajudicial killing or abduction is taking place in the country.

He also claimed that none is being abducted, adding that they are

themselves going into hiding due to failure in love or other issues.

When asked the convicts of Bangabandhu killing case, the minister said the

government is keeping contact with different countries, including African

countries, to bring them back.