Army to be withdrawn: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said the government would gradually withdraw army personnel deployed in the field for maintaining law and order as public confidence in the police force has been restored.

He made the remarks after a meeting at the Home Ministry at the Secretariat.

The minister said the country’s law and order situation has improved significantly and there is no plan to keep the army deployed indefinitely.

“An elected political government has assumed responsibility and confidence has been restored in bringing the police force back to an effective and disciplined state,” he said.

“We believe we have been able to restore the police force to a functional position and people have also regained trust in them. Therefore, initiatives are being taken to gradually withdraw the army from the field,” he added.

However, he said the process of withdrawal would be finalised through discussions among the police, army and other relevant agencies.

Replying to a question regarding the ongoing special drives, the minister said operations against extortionists, terrorists, drug traders, gamblers and illegal arms holders are continuing regularly.

“The time is not over yet. Wait and see, the drives are ongoing. Listed criminals are being arrested every day. Criminals involved in drugs, terrorism, gambling and arms-related offences are being detained,” he said.

He further said both joint and individual operations by law enforcement agencies are underway and legal action is being taken against the arrested individuals.

Responding to a query about alleged “godfathers” escaping action, Salahuddin Ahmed said nobody is above the law and operations are being conducted based on proper intelligence and prepared lists.

The minister also claimed that the government’s ongoing drives have brought visible improvement in the country’s law and order situation, though differing opinions may exist on the matter.

AM