'Political identity must not shield criminals'

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj on Friday said no one should be allowed to use political identity to shield criminal activities.

“Those who engage in criminal activities have no real political identity. They are opportunists. They go wherever they believe they can carry out such activities more easily,” he said.

He made the remarks while addressing a shadow parliament debate on Political Will and Social Movements in Controlling Drugs, organised by Debate for Democracy at the Film Development Corporation (FDC) in Karwan Bazar of the capital. 

Responding to a question about possible links between drug traders and members of the ruling party, the state minister said political parties and the government were separate entities. Individuals could join political parties under the existing legal framework, he said, stressing the need to distinguish between political affiliation and criminal conduct.

He said the government was committed to preventing anyone from using a political name or identity to secure unlawful benefits, adding that the prime minister, cabinet members and lawmakers were working towards that goal.

Asked whether political interference was preventing law enforcement agencies and field-level administration from controlling drug trafficking, he categorically rejected allegations of government interference.