Drug dealers, extortionists won't be spared: Environment minister
Referring to the issue of juvenile gangs, he said the government has adopted a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy and those involved must be brought to justice
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo today (8 March) said there will be no leniency for drug dealers and extortionists, stressing that the government is maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against drugs, extortion and juvenile gangs.
"Drugs are one of the major problems in society. Everyone knows who the addicts and drug dealers are. They must be identified and arrested through proper drives," he said.
The minister made the remarks while addressing a meeting of the district law and order committee held at the conference room of the Feni Deputy Commissioner's office this afternoon.
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Referring to the issue of juvenile gangs, he said the government has adopted a 'zero-tolerance' policy and those involved must be brought to justice.
Talking about hawkers occupying city footpaths, Mintoo said hawkers usually operate after paying extortion money, and therefore the extortionists behind them must be arrested first.
The environment minister further said the government will launch a special drive similar to "Operation Clean Heart" within the next two to three months to bring offenders under the law.
"Those who are involved in wrongdoing will be brought to justice. The government will not spare anyone in this regard," he added.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Monira Haque and moderated by Assistant Commissioner Chayan Barua.
Among others, Superintendent of Police Md Shafiqul Islam, Civil Surgeon Dr Rubaiyat Bin Karim, Camp Commander of Bangladesh Army Lt Col Md Amanul Haque, Commander of 4 BGB Lt Col SM Jillur Rahman, NSI Joint Director Md Harun Mia, Ansar Commandant Md Helal Uddin, Women Affairs Officer Nasrin Akter, Assistant Director of the Department of Narcotics Control Md Abdul Hamid, Public Prosecutor Mejbah Uddin Khan and Joint Convener of Feni district BNP Gazi Habib Ullah Manik spoke at the meeting.
Deputy Commissioner Monira Haque highlighted various initiatives taken to maintain law and order in the district, including strengthening market monitoring and conducting mobile courts to keep commodity prices under control during the Holy Month of Ramadan, as well as measures to prevent illegal hoarding of fuel oil.
Superintendent of Police Md Shafiqul Islam said the law and order situation in the district is comparatively better than before. Referring to the situation following the mass uprising of students and people on August 5, 2024, he said the country has overcome a turbulent period and a new government has taken office through a fair election.
He also mentioned several police initiatives, including special policing ahead of Eid, to ensure a safe Feni.
Earlier in the morning, the minister was received at the circuit house by the deputy commissioner and the superintendent of police.
Replying to a question from journalists, Mintoo said the government has undertaken extensive initiatives for environmental improvement and afforestation. He said effective measures are being taken to prevent all forms of pollution and a special 180-day plan is being formulated.
In response to another question regarding alleged irregularities in projects in the past, the minister said the government will review what had happened earlier. "However, I can assure that during our tenure there will be no scope for irregularities or corruption," he added.
Later in the afternoon, the minister is scheduled to exchange views with officials of Sonagazi upazila administration and attend an iftar mahfil organized by the upazila unit of BNP.
