The Bangladesh government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against crime as part of efforts to maintain law and order and build a peaceful society, State Minister for Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin has said.
Speaking at an iftar gathering in Chattogram on Friday, Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin said the government would take strict action against criminal activities, including extortion and land grabbing, regardless of political affiliation or identity.
“The government has declared a zero-tolerance policy against crime. Anyone involved in criminal activities will be brought under the law,” he said.
The state minister made the remarks while addressing an iftar mahfil organised by the Chattogram Metropolitan Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at the Jamiatul Falah National Mosque ground in the port city.
Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin said the government was committed to maintaining peace and security across Bangladesh as part of its broader effort to build a stable and prosperous nation.
He stressed that political identity would not protect anyone found involved in criminal activity.
“No political affiliation will be considered when ensuring public safety. Even party leaders and activists will face legal action if they are found involved in crime,” he said.
The state minister said the government, formed with a large public mandate, is working under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to strengthen governance, maintain law and order and promote national development.
During the same visit, Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin also attended an iftar gathering organised by Hefazat-e-Islam in Hathazari, where he emphasised the importance of religious harmony in Bangladesh.
He said all citizens in the country should be able to practise their religions freely while respecting the beliefs of others.
“In an independent Bangladesh, people of all faiths will enjoy equal rights and live peacefully without harming others’ beliefs,” he said.
The state minister added that the government would work with local communities to maintain social stability and ensure Hathazari remains a safe and peaceful area.
Addressing local development issues, Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin said road repair and infrastructure development projects have already begun in the Chattogram-5 constituency.
He said project updates are being shared publicly through social media to ensure transparency and allow citizens to submit complaints or feedback directly.
The iftar organised by Chattogram Metropolitan BNP was chaired by its convener and Member of Parliament Ershadullah, while Abu Sufian, Member of Parliament, attended as a special guest.
Thousands of leaders and activists from BNP, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal, along with representatives from different professional groups, joined the programme.
The Hathazari event was chaired by Mufti Muhammad Ali Qasemi, president of Hefazat-e-Islam Hathazari. Mufti Jasim Uddin, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam, and Shoaib Jomiri, Sheikhul Hadith of Hathazari Madrasa, were also present.
The programme concluded with prayers for the country’s prosperity and remembrance of those who died in political movements, including former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
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