Govt to establish jail in Jungle Salimpur, no immediate eviction: Home Minister

The government has decided to establish a new prison in the Jungle Salimpur area under Sitakunda upazila of Chattogram, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said, adding that no immediate eviction drive will be carried out in the area.

He made the remarks after visiting the area and speaking to journalists on Sunday (May 31).

He, however, warned that Alinagar–Jungle Salimpur would no longer be allowed to remain a “safe haven for isolated criminal groups.”

He said the government aims to bring the region under full law enforcement control and ensure planned development. While the prison project is being initiated, implementation will consider the interests of local residents in a phased manner.

On law and order, the home minister said the government is maintaining a “zero tolerance” stance against terrorism, drugs, gambling and extortion, adding that coordinated and special operations will continue nationwide.

He also said criminal networks have been identified in the Jungle Salimpur area, and sustained operations will be conducted to dismantle them.

Referring to the rise of juvenile gangs, Salahuddin Ahmed expressed concern over increasing violent activities involving minors, saying legal reforms are needed as some provisions of existing laws are being misused, leading to serious crimes.

He further announced plans to introduce amendments to the narcotics control law to establish special tribunals for faster disposal of drug-related cases, noting that thousands of such cases remain pending for years in courts.

Senior officials including the land state minister Barrister Mir Helal, Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain, the Inspector General of Police, BGB Director General, Divisional Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, RAB-7 commander and other officials were present during the visit.