No political protection for drug offenders: Habibur Rashid

NARAYANGANJ, Aug 31: State Minister for Road Transport and Railways Habibur Rashid, who is in charge of Narayanganj District, has said no one directly or indirectly involved in drugs will be given protection, regardless of their political identity.

Speaking at a meeting on the district's law and order situation, he called for strong measures to make Narayanganj drug-free.

“Whatever their political identity, no one directly or indirectly involved in drugs will be spared. They will be brought to justice, and the government is working to formulate laws ensuring the highest punishment for drug traders,” he said.

The state minister also said past incidents of killings, torture and repression in Narayanganj should be investigated and the actual perpetrators brought to justice.

He called for the recovery of illegal firearms and verification of weapons whose licences had not been renewed for a long time, followed by necessary legal action.

He said everyone must work together to make Narayanganj a drug-free, safe and better district.

“In areas where the capacity of law enforcement agencies is limited, coordinated operations involving RAB, BGB, DB and police should be conducted to bring those involved in drugs to justice. The government will not make any concessions in this regard,” he said.

“Our goal is to make Narayanganj free of drugs and terrorism and take it forward on the path of development,” he added.

The state minister said the government had already taken initiatives to resolve various problems, including those related to gas, water and electricity. However, he said, implementing the initiatives would require time and continuity.

“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working from 9am to 9pm. We also have to make our utmost efforts,” he said.

He alleged that some people were trying to embarrass the government and administration, saying the government would not give them any concessions.

The meeting, chaired by Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Raihan Kabir, was attended by Narayanganj-1 MP Mostafizur Rahman Dipu Bhuiyan, Narayanganj-5 MP Advocate Abul Kalam, Narayanganj-4 MP Advocate Abdullah Al Amin, Narayanganj City Corporation Administrator Advocate Sakhawat Hossain Khan, Narayanganj District Council Administrator Professor Mamun Mahmud and Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman Munshi.