Home Affairs Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed today directed law enforcement agencies to re-examine cases filed following the fall of the Awami League government during the August 5, 2024 student-people uprising, stressing that innocent individuals must not face harassment.
Speaking to journalists after a three-hour meeting with heads of various directorates and law enforcement agencies that began at 11:30am, Salahuddin said several cases lodged after the political transition were filed by “opportunistic individuals” and targeted people from different professions, including businessmen and journalists.
He instructed police to ensure transparency and accountability in handling such cases and warned against political interference in police work. “Harassment of people will not be allowed. If police are found involved in such acts, action will be taken against them,” he said.
The home minister also announced that the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles mutiny would be re-investigated. In addition, firearms licences issued during the three consecutive terms of the Awami League government from 2009 to 2024 will be reviewed.
Licences granted through proper procedures will remain valid, he said, while those issued for political or criminal considerations will be cancelled.
In a move aimed at reforming the police administration, Salahuddin declared the discontinuation of the lottery system for appointing officers-in-charge (OCs) and superintendents of police (SPs), citing a lack of transparency. Future appointments will be based strictly on merit and qualifications. He also directed that SPs must not provide protocol services beyond the prescribed rules.
Addressing allegations that some constables joined the force using forged addresses during the Awami League’s tenure, he said the matter would be investigated but urged police personnel not to panic unnecessarily.
Salahuddin noted that 2,701 constable posts are currently vacant and will be filled promptly. He also announced that more than 630 police personnel dismissed in 2006 would be reinstated.
On the issue of mob violence, he warned that highways cannot be blocked to press demands and urged citizens to pursue lawful means to express grievances.
Referring to a recent interview of President Mohammed Shahabuddin published in Kaler Kantho, Salahuddin said, “Everyone has the right to speak. Everyone will speak in their own way. Everyone’s constitutional rights will be ensured.”
