Gambling, drugs behind crimes: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that gambling and drugs are linked to many crimes committed in the country. He said controlling the spread of gambling and drugs could help reduce other crimes associated with them.

He made the remarks while addressing the 43rd founding anniversary first session programme of the Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association (CRAB) as the chief guest in Segunbagicha in the capital on Wednesday afternoon. 

Meanwhile, Informa-tion and broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman Partho was present in the closing session of the anniversary programme in the evening.  

CRAB President Mirza Mehedi Tamal chaired the both events, while the organisation’s General Secretary M M Badshah conducted them.

Home Minister Salahuddin said that crime cannot be controlled simply by arresting, prosecuting and punishing offenders. 

The causes behind crimes must be identified and addressed. In his words, “Crime is a symptom. It appears that the disease lies elsewhere.  

If the root causes are identified and action is taken there, the crime rate can be reduced."
Noting that the nature of cybercrime is changing rapidly, the Home Minister said the growing number of crimes in digital and cyberspace has increased the importance of forensic examination of electronic devices and data analysis.

He said initiatives are being taken to establish modern cyber security units soon to enhance the police's capacity.

He further said that there are plans to establish modern cyber security units and laboratories at the Police Headquarters, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and divisional levels. 

Units will also be formed at the district level, while steps will be taken to appoint officers responsible for cyber security at police station and upazila levels.

Earlier on Tuesday, he had said at a meeting of the Police Staff College governing board that the government was planning to establish a full-fledged and institutional cyber security unit under the leadership of an Additional Inspector General of police.

The Home Minister also called for necessary changes to laws in line with changing patterns of crime. He said new laws should be enacted and existing laws amended to deal with new types of crimes, including the spread of online and cyberspace gambling.

He said initiatives would be taken to provide government or corporate social responsibility (CSR) assistance to journalists who face risks while reporting on crime. Describing crime reporting as part of investigative journalism, he advised journalists to improve their skills in technology and emerging forms of crime. 

He also said the possibility of issuing certificates by the Ministry of Home Affairs or the police department for risky and investigative journalism is being considered.