Crime rates higher than under interim government, says MP Hasnat

The Member of Parliament for Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) and Southern Region Chief Coordinator of Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP), Hasnat Abdullah, has stated that crime rates have surged compared to the tenure of the previous interim government.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday following a consultation meeting with local stakeholders regarding the widening of the Chandina-Debidwar highway, Hasnat expressed grave concern over the deteriorating law and order situation. 

"The public perception is that the level of crime being committed now has surpassed all previous limits," he remarked.

The NCP lawmaker demanded that the Home Minister publicly disclose what specific measures are being taken to curb criminal activities and outline future initiatives to restore order.

Addressing regional politics and minority rights, Abdullah noted that the state must be more proactive in protecting the rights of those perceived as political minorities to send a positive message globally. 

He emphasized the need to counter attempts to portray Bangladesh's communal harmony in a negative light. "We must show the world that Bangladesh is a safe haven for people of all faiths and opinions," he added.

Turning to institutional reform, Hasnat asserted that public service organizations must belong to the people, and there should be no room for middlemen between service providers and citizens. 

He urged for a more active role in safeguarding the rights of every citizen.

The meeting was chaired by Debidwar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rakibul Islam. During the session, Golam Mostafa, Executive Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department in Cumilla, presented the strategic details of the road expansion project. 

Other officials, including Sub-divisional Engineer Md. Safiqul Islam Bhuiyan and Sub-assistant Engineer Mohammad Saidur Rahman, were also present at the discussion.