No plan for new joint force or Operation Clean Heart-Style drive: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has ruled out forming a new joint force or launching an operation modelled on the controversial “Operation Clean Heart” to deal with the country’s law and order situation.

He made the remarks on Thursday (October 1) while speaking to reporters after unveiling the foundation plaque for the new headquarters of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

The minister said the government had made no decision to establish a separate force to maintain law and order. Instead, he said, ongoing joint operations involving existing law enforcement agencies would be strengthened through greater coordination.

Police, Ansar and other relevant agencies have been instructed to work together to curb crime and ensure public safety, Salahuddin said, adding that their activities would be intensified depending on the situation.

He also called on law enforcement agencies to remain prepared to respond quickly to any sudden deterioration in the law and order situation, saying the safety and security of ordinary citizens remained the government’s primary objective.

Operation Clean Heart was launched in October 2002 and continued until January 2003, involving more than 40,000 military personnel in an anti-crime drive. Human Rights Watch said more than 10,000 people were arrested during the operation and at least 50 died in custody under unclear circumstances.

Salahuddin’s remarks come amid discussions about expanding joint operations to address rising security concerns. His comments indicate that the government intends to rely on coordination among existing forces rather than create a new joint force or revive a Clean Heart-style operation.