Crackdown against drug traders to continue: Home Minister

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan today said the crackdown against drug dealers will continue until the situation comes under control.

The minister was talking to reporters after a meeting on the security arrangements ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr at the Secretariat.

Asked whether leaders and activists of Awami League and its associate bodies involved in drug trade will be brought to book, the home minister said actions will be taken following the drug traders' list as instructed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to maintain a 'zero-tolerance' policy against drugs. "No one will be spared, no matter what party they belong to."

Without offering any details, he also said an MP has already been 'in custody'.

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Efficacy of the anti-drug war

About the deaths of drug peddlers in "crossfire", Asaduzzaman said they are going for an all-out war against drugs and will try their best to avert such situations.

Inspector General of Police Dr M Javed Patwary and other top police officials attended the meeting.

The home minister said close-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) will be installed at all key locations where Eid prayers will be offered.

Additionally, round-the-clock security is being provided to all markets and shopping complexes so that people can shop without fear and no counterfeit currencies can spread, he said.

Asaduzzaman said 70 members of "Oggyan" parties (doping gangs) and 36 muggers have so far been arrested by law enforcers since the beginning of Ramadan.

The law enforcers will also remain vigilant so that no vehicle and vessel can carry excessive number of passengers, he said.

As Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Siddiqur Rahman was also present at the meeting, the Home Minister urged all the RMG owners to pay Eid bonus to their workers by June 14.

To ease traffic jam, he also asked them to shut down their factories gradually between June 12 and 15.

In reply, Siddiqur said although it will be impossible to maintain a deadline, the salaries and bonuses will be paid before the Eid.