Sixth Meeting of the Standing Committee on the Ministry of Home Affairs

At the meeting, the Chairman emphasized taking legal measures to eliminate drugs by identifying the sources of drug production, supply and trafficking. At the same time, he recommended investigating the economic networks associated with the drug trade and the flow of crime proceeds.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that as part of drug prevention activities, initiatives have been taken to construct and modernize 108 kilometers of border fencing on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. He further said that the law and order situation across the country is under control; the law enforcement agencies are determined to prevent any kind of sabotage and terrorism.

Whip Rakibul Islam said that the use of cutting-edge technology at borders must be ensured like in developed countries, and the effective use of drone surveillance must be increased. Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu said that a social revolution is foremost needed to control drug use; this is not the work of only a ministry or a single force, but rather an integrated national responsibility.

The meeting recommended that the necessary financial allocation for eliminating drug-related crimes be ensured quickly. In addition, detailed review was held on identifying risky border areas and routes for drug entry into the country and on coordinated monitoring, operations and preventive measures by BGB, Coast Guard, Police and the Department of Narcotics Control to prevent drug smuggling.

Committee member and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Minister of State for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, Whip Rakibul Islam, Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu, Md. Kamruzzaman, Md. Monwar Hossain and Shirin Sultana participated in the meeting. Besides, the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Inspector General of Police and heads and senior officials of relevant agencies were present.