Prompt legal action has been taken in heinous crimes: Home Minister

He said this at a press briefing on the current law and order situation held in the conference room of the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday (September 20).

Expressing deep sorrow over the murder of 13-year-old boy Ishayat Shahriar Oprotim in Cumilla, the minister said that after he went missing, his body was recovered within a short time and several people were detained on suspicion of involvement in the incident. He said preliminary investigation found information about their involvement with a juvenile crime gang. The minister said he would cooperate with the judiciary to quickly complete the investigation and submit a chargesheet in the Oprotim murder, and to complete the trial of this case quickly like the Ramisa murder case.

Regarding statistics on missing children, Salahuddin Ahmed said the government is taking the matter seriously and relevant data is being reviewed. According to him, social degradation is linked to various factors including drugs, gambling, and pornography. He said importance would be given to cultural activities, sports, and moral education in educational institutions to restore social order.

Regarding the cocktail explosions and bus arson in the capital, the minister said these incidents were carried out centering the so-called ‘lockdown’ program of the banned Awami League. Those involved in several incidents have been arrested, and work is ongoing to identify others by analyzing CCTV footage.

Regarding the opposition's long march, the Home Minister said that in a democratic system, political parties have the right to peaceful programs and constructive criticism. He said recent long marches in Chattogram and the northern region were completed peacefully and law enforcement agencies cooperated.

Regarding the power and energy crisis, the minister said a temporary crisis has arisen due to the rise in oil prices in the international market and past shortfalls in domestic gas exploration. He also informed about a plan to drill 150 new gas wells by 2030-31 to keep gas supply normal in the industrial sector. The minister said that already 12 million cubic feet of gas per day from well No. 28 of Titas gas field has been added to the national grid.

Regarding the arrest of 23 people over the allegation of a secret meeting at a mosque in Tejgaon, he said they were arrested based on intelligence information. After forensic examination of mobile phones and initial interrogation, as no evidence was found, 11 people were released into the custody of their guardians. Based on information found regarding the others, a case has been filed on the allegation of attempting to form a new extremist organization named ‘Ittehadul Ummah’ and investigation is ongoing. The Home Minister also said the government's strict stance against extremist activities will continue.