Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that he would not comment on the recovery of the body of former air force officer Tahshif Saurin until the post-mortem and initial investigation are concluded. He stated that he would address the matter after detailed information about the incident becomes available through the investigation.
In response to a journalist’s question, the Home Minister said, “I read about this in the newspaper. The post-mortem is currently underway, and an initial investigation will follow. Only then can we speak about it. I do not wish to comment at this moment. I am refraining from making any statements on this matter right now because an initial investigation needs to be conducted, and the body is undergoing post-mortem. We will speak after we have all the facts.”
Law and Order Situation Has Improved
Regarding the country’s law and order situation, the Home Minister claimed that it has significantly improved compared to previous times. Since assuming office, efforts have been ongoing to restore the morale of the police force, strengthen discipline, increase manpower, and equip the force with essential resources, including vehicles.
He noted the necessity of recruiting more personnel into the police force. To this end, the recruitment process for Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP), Sub-Inspectors (SI), Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI), and Constables is currently underway.
On the performance of the police, the Home Minister stated that they are successfully identifying, arresting, investigating, and bringing criminals to justice after crimes are committed. However, he acknowledged that there might be exceptions in a few isolated cases.
Departmental Action for Police Misconduct
Addressing the accountability of police members, the Home Minister explained that a system of reward and punishment has been implemented within the force. Those who perform commendable work are being rewarded, while any member involved in crime, illegal activities, or disciplinary breaches faces departmental action.
He also highlighted the amendment of various existing laws and the enactment of new legislation aimed at improving the law and order situation. He asserted that since he took office, there have been no incidents of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, or deaths in custody at the hands of law enforcement agencies, which he believes signifies the establishment of the rule of law in the country. Nevertheless, the Home Minister added that further work is required to meet public expectations.
Remarks on Thakurgaon By-Election
Concerning the situation of the Thakurgaon by-election, the Home Minister reported that, according to the information he received, voting was proceeding smoothly without any untoward incidents. He also stated that election office sources indicated an approximate 30 percent voter turnout.
Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring democratic practices across the nation. He affirmed that the government aims to establish an environment where voters can exercise their franchise freely and securely.
Initiatives to Maintain Peace and Stability in the Hills
Regarding the law and order situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the Home Minister stated that the government, law enforcement agencies, and the army are working diligently to maintain peace and stability in the region. He further added that all relevant stakeholders are actively collaborating to establish a peaceful and stable environment in the hilly areas.
