Law and order improves as govt advances BNP pledges

Published : Friday, 21 August, 2026 at 1:35 PM

Observer Online Desk

Bangladesh has made visible progress in maintaining law and order and strengthening national security during the first six months of the government, with the Home Ministry implementing a series of measures in line with the BNP's electoral pledges.

As part of the government's security agenda, law enforcement agencies have conducted coordinated counter-terrorism operations, arrested suspected extremists and strengthened security presence in high-risk areas, reports BSS News.

Talking to BSS over the phone today, Additional Inspector General of Police (Crime and Operations) Khondoker Rafiqul Islam said the overall security situation, detection of criminals involved in sensational crimes, including murders, arrest of suspects and prompt law-enforcement action had remained a key focus during the past six months to maintain law and order.

He expressed hope that the overall security situation would improve further in the coming days as intelligence-led operations and inter-agency coordination have also been intensified to prevent extremist and criminal activities.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the people of the country will assess whether they are satisfied with the law and order situation.

"However, from the government’s perspective, we can certainly say that there has been visible improvement in the law and order situation over the last six months,” he said in a recent programme.

Ahmed said the government needed more time to consolidate the gains and bring the law and order situation further in line with public expectations.

“We have completed only six months. During this period, we have carried out many reform initiatives, and people have seen several commendable initiatives by the law enforcement agencies,” he said.

The Home Minister said a range of measures taken during the past 180 days had received appreciation from the people and were aimed at delivering the commitments made in the BNP's electoral roadmap.

The government has also completed the reorganization of police units across all 64 districts and eight metropolitan areas, a move aimed at improving operational capacity and ensuring more effective policing.

Some 3,723 harassment-related cases have reportedly been withdrawn, while over 2,160 police and security personnel have received specialized training, officials at the Home Ministry said.

Drug control has emerged as another major area of action. More than 40,000 anti-narcotics operations have been conducted, leading to the filing of over 12,000 cases against alleged drug traffickers.

At the same time, rehabilitation and counselling services have been provided to more than 16,000 people struggling with drug addiction.

The government has also taken steps to strengthen fire safety and emergency response capacity by establishing and upgrading fire stations in urban and vulnerable areas, procuring ambulances and expanding emergency response facilities.

In the maritime sector, enhanced Bangladesh Coast Guard patrols have helped curb illegal fishing and protect marine resources, while the acquisition of offshore patrol vessels is expected to further strengthen Bangladesh's maritime security capabilities.

Administrative reforms have also been undertaken, including streamlining recruitment and promotion procedures, filling critical vacancies and expanding online public services such as fire safety licensing.

Officials said these initiatives were part of the government's broader efforts to fulfil its commitments and deliver people-oriented governance.

Referring to the government's overall performance, they said several “commendable and people-oriented initiatives” had been taken during the first 180 days in accordance with the roadmap announced by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The Home Minister acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in terms of resources and coordination among different agencies, but said sustained reforms and coordinated efforts would be necessary to further improve public safety and consolidate the gains made in the country's law and order situation.

The government views the progress during the first six months as an initial step toward fulfilling its electoral commitments on security, crime control, institutional reform and public safety.

SKS