The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed the police to scrutinize all cases filed following the student-led mass uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government on August 5. The move aims to ensure that innocent individuals—including businessmen, journalists, and prominent citizens—are not subjected to harassment through “fictitious” or retaliatory litigation.
The announcement was made by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed while speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Monday, following a high-level two-hour meeting with heads of various departments and law enforcement agencies under his ministry.
Ending ‘Lottery’ Postings and Political Interference
In a significant move toward institutional reform, Salahuddin Ahmed announced the abolition of the “lottery system” for posting Officers-in-Charge (OCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs).
“We want to restore the chain of command. From now on, postings will be based on service records, competence, and suitability rather than a lottery, which lacked transparency in the past,” the Minister said. He also warned that no political or social interference in police work would be tolerated, and SPs have been instructed not to provide any protocol beyond official rules.
BDR Massacre Re-investigation and Arms Licensing
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to justice regarding the BDR mutiny, stating that a commission would be formed or a thorough re-investigation launched to identify the true culprits.
Furthermore, the ministry will review all firearm licenses issued during the three terms of the Awami League government (2009–2024).
- Eligible Holders: Licenses issued through proper channels will remain valid.
- Illegal Licenses: Those issued for political or criminal purposes will be revoked.
- Unrecovered Arms: Approximately 10,000 firearms remain uncollected despite government orders; the Minister warned of legal action to recover these weapons.
Recruitment Reforms and Passport Services
Addressing human resource gaps, Salahuddin Ahmed noted that 2,701 constable positions are currently vacant and will be filled shortly. Additionally, 630 police members who lost their jobs in 2006 will be reinstated, and the files of 750 SIs and Sergeants from the same period are being reviewed for reappointment.
To tackle corruption in the Passport Office, the government plans to introduce “Registered Assistants” (similar to deed writers) in Dhaka and divisional cities. These registered individuals will assist citizens for a fixed service charge, aiming to eliminate the influence of illegal brokers.
Warning Against Mob Violence
On the issue of “mob violence,” the Home Minister was clear: the government will take immediate action against anyone taking the law into their own hands. He emphasized that legitimate demands must be pursued through legal channels and not by blocking highways or using force.
“We are working to rebuild institutions that were destroyed during the fascist era,” Salahuddin Ahmed concluded. “Our focus is to look forward and meet the expectations of the people following the mass uprising.”
The meeting was attended by IGP Baharul Alam, DMP Commissioner Sheikh Sajjad Ali, and the chiefs of RAB, BGB, Ansar, and the Passport Department, among others.
