Music, instruments and cinema almost banned in Brahmanbaria for many years: Home Minister

Salahuddin Ahmed, Home Minister, has said the social and cultural environment of Brahmanbaria is different from other areas and that music, instruments and cinema have been almost like banned there for many years.

He made the remarks while responding to journalists’ questions after visiting Professor Dr Md Asadur Rahman, head of the ENT department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, who was injured in an attack by terrorists for not paying toll, at the hospital on Saturday (August 22) afternoon.

Asked about the incident centred on music and instruments being played at midnight at Brahmanbaria Police Lines, the home minister said Brahmanbaria is such an area where music, instruments and cinema have been almost like banned among them for many years. The situation there is different.

He said the government has taken measures as required considering the environment and situation of the place.

At the same time, the home minister said instructions have been given to bring toll collectors, identified terrorists and drug traders under the law quickly. He also cautioned that action will be taken against any member of the law enforcement agencies if they fail to take measures against them.

Salahuddin Ahmed said toll collectors want to become millionaires overnight. They collect toll using the names of identified terrorists, hardened criminals and godfathers. Not only the toll collectors but also any police members involved with them are being listed.

Referring to the attack on Professor Dr Md Asadur Rahman, the home minister said an organized gang had tried to collect toll from him through intimidation and attack. Four of the seven people involved in the incident have been arrested.

He said he praised the police for being able to arrest the main culprit of the attack within 48 hours. However, more work remains for the police. Instructions have been given to the law enforcement agencies to work more effectively to eliminate organized toll collectors.