Those behind Jungle Salimpur attack will face strict action, says home minister

Home Minister Salahauddin Ahmed has said strict action will be taken over recent attacks on a Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) camp in Jungle Salimpur. “We are looking into the attacks in Jungle Salimpur. Action is being taken, and it will be visible very soon,” he said while speaking to reporters at the Police Headquaters this afternoon. Referring to Jangal Salimpur, he said the area had effectively functioned as a “state within a state” before being brought under control through joint operations by law enforcement agencies, adding that those operations led to the recovery of arms and the arrest of listed criminals. Plans are also underway to establish facilities such as police and Rab academies, sports complexes and other infrastructure in the area, alongside earlier proposals to shift the Chattogram district jail there, the home minister said.

However, he warned that attempts were being made by “criminal elements” to re-establish their presence. “Their provocative activities and audacity will be dealt with strictly. We do not want to reveal the full plan at this moment.

But the rule of law will be established. No sanctuary for criminals will be allowed,” he added. Eid security strengthened Highlighting Eid-ul-Azha security arrangements, the home minister said the central monitoring system under the Police Headquarters had been further strengthened ahead of the festival. “The monitoring cell is always active. For Eid, it has been intensified from seven days before Eid to seven days after Eid.

Manpower has been increased and highways are under round-the-clock surveillance,” he said. He added that special monitoring had been put in place at cattle markets, expressways and major bridges, including the Jamuna and Padma bridges. CCTV surveillance is being used nationwide, while body-worn cameras have been deployed in areas where fixed systems are unavailable. On road safety, he said the overall number of accidents had decreased compared to previous years, but attributed recent incidents to negligence.

Regarding traffic congestion at toll plazas, he said the issue required improved technology. “Now toll is being collected manually. Tickets create long queues. In many countries this is automated. Vehicles will have cards and money will be deducted digitally.

Then there will be no waiting. The government is considering this,” he said. Citing a recent accident involving a truck carrying iron rods, where passengers allegedly travelling on top of the vehicle were killed, he said "If passengers remain aware, such tragedies can be avoided.” On cattle markets, he said measures had been taken to prevent the use of counterfeit currency, including the deployment of detection machines by banks and Bangladesh Bank. He also said illegal cattle markets were being shut down, referring to a recent attempt to set up a market under the metro rail line in Mirpur.

Eid-ul-Azha waste management Regarding Eid-related waste management, he said arrangements had been made to ensure clearance within 24 hours, with instructions issued to city corporations, district administrations and municipalities. He added that special arrangements were in place as Qurbani continues on the second and third days as well. Border and other issues On border firing incidents, the minister said such matters were usually resolved through flag meetings between border forces and did not indicate any major national-level tension. Responding to a question on the Tirodhan festival of Loknath Brahmachari, he said Bangladesh was a country of communal harmony and ensured freedom for all religious practices.

He added that district administrations and police would take necessary steps in this regard. Replying to allegations of open drug trading in Savar, he urged journalists to provide information, assuring action within 24 hours, and reiterated the government’s “zero tolerance” stance on drugs.