Gambling, drugs behind many crimes: Home minister
The minister said crimes should not be viewed merely as isolated incidents.
Gambling and drugs are behind many crimes committed across the country, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said today (16 September), stressing that crime cannot be curbed simply by arresting, prosecuting and punishing offenders after an incident.
The underlying causes of crimes must also be identified and addressed, he said while speaking as the chief guest at the 43rd founding anniversary of the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB) in the capital's Segunbagicha.
The minister said crimes should not be viewed merely as isolated incidents, adding that the social and other factors behind why crimes are committed need to be analysed.
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"Crime is a symptom. It appears that the disease lies elsewhere," he said, adding that identifying and addressing the root causes could help reduce crime.
The home minister said curbing drug addiction and gambling could help reduce many serious crimes linked to them.
Modern units to tackle cybercrime
The minister said crime patterns are changing rapidly, with rising digital and cybercrime making forensic examination and data analysis increasingly important.
The government is taking steps to establish modern cybersecurity units to strengthen police capacity, he said.
Salahuddin said modern cybersecurity units and laboratories will be established at Police Headquarters, DMP and divisional levels, with plans also under consideration for district-level units.
The minister yesterday (15 September) said the government plans to establish a full-fledged cyber security unit under an additional inspector general of police.
Laws must change with changing crimes
Salahuddin said at today's event that laws must be updated as crime patterns change, as existing laws may not effectively address new types of crime.
New laws and amendments are needed to tackle emerging offences, including online gambling and cybercrime, he added.
Weak laws in certain areas may allow accused people to secure bail or be released soon after arrest, he stated.
Legal reforms should therefore reflect the nature of crimes and society's needs, he said.
Initiative planned to support crime reporters
The home minister said the government will consider initiatives to support journalists who face risks while covering crime, including possible assistance for those injured or otherwise affected in the line of duty through government funds or corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes.
Describing crime reporting as a form of investigative journalism, he said journalists need to strengthen their skills in technology and emerging forms of crime as criminal activities evolve.
"Crime reporting is a separate field. It is a part of investigative journalism," he said.
The government is also considering issuing certificates for crime reporters, including exploring whether the home ministry or police could provide certification for journalists involved in risky and investigative reporting, he added.
Calls for coordinated efforts to curb crime
Highlighting the responsibilities of journalists, Salahuddin said the media has an important role in both reporting on law enforcement and raising social awareness.
Journalists must remain accountable to society and the state in their reporting, he said.
Crime can be brought under control through coordinated efforts by lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, security forces and the media, he said, stressing stronger cooperation among crime reporters, law enforcement agencies and relevant government bodies.
