Zero tolerance policy against irregularities, terrorism, drug: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has issued a stern warning against extortion on highways, unfit vehicles and unauthorised cattle markets ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, stating that the government will continue its 'zero tolerance' policy against all forms of irregularities, terrorism and drug networks to ensure public safety.

The home minister made the remarks while briefing journalists after visiting the 'National Operation Monitoring Centre' at Police Headquarters in the capital on Tuesday morning, May 26.

Law enforcement agencies are fully prepared and active to restore peace and order in the country by ending the 17-year mismanagement and lawlessness of the previous government. No one will be spared this time if they break the law, he said.

The central monitoring cell at Police Headquarters has been specially reorganised to ensure a hassle-free Eid journey, with special surveillance continuing seven days before Eid and seven days after Eid, he added.

All highways, cattle markets, expressways, and the Jamuna and Padma Bridge areas are under constant surveillance. Where CCTV cameras are not available on highways, police officers are performing their duties wearing body-worn cameras.

Road accidents have decreased significantly compared to previous years. The accident that occurred yesterday involving a rod-laden truck carrying passengers on its roof was extremely regrettable. Such risky journeys were undertaken to save a small amount of fare. Citizens must be more responsible in their travel, he said.

No unauthorised cattle market will be allowed on roads or empty spaces outside approved markets. An illegal market recently set up under the metro rail line in Mirpur was immediately shut down, he added.

Adequate counterfeit note detection machines have been installed at cattle markets with the coordination of commercial banks and police, in collaboration with Bangladesh Bank.

Responding to a question about long queues at the Jamuna Bridge toll plaza for north-bound passengers, the home minister said the long lines are due to manual toll collection. He suggested that the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry introduce digital automation, such as automatic deduction through cards in vehicles, as a permanent solution. Additionally, incentives may be offered to encourage drivers to use e-tolls.

Regarding the use of CCTV cameras and drones for drug trafficking and attacks on journalists in Savar, the minister said three police officers have already been closed. He called for specific information from journalists, adding that strict legal action would be taken against those involved within the next 24 hours.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Manjur Morshed Chowdhury, Police IGP Md Ali Hossain Fakir and other senior police officials were present.