Home minister orders crackdown on unreturned firearms, pledges Eid safety

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has instructed deputy commissioners (DCs) to recover and seize nearly 10,000 firearms that have yet to be deposited despite directives issued during the interim government's tenure.

Speaking to reporters after addressing the DC conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital today, he said legal action would be taken against those concerned.

The minister said many firearms deposited ahead of elections are yet to be returned.

He also said many “harassment cases” had been filed on political grounds during the Awami League government. The minister said while some have been withdrawn under the interim administration, not all cases were included. Such cases are now under review, and if found to be politically motivated, recommendations will be made for their withdrawal.

Salahuddin Ahmed said the cases will first go to the home ministry and then be sent to the law ministry, where a committee will review them. If deemed appropriate, they will be withdrawn under Section 494 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Referring to cases filed over the anti-discrimination movement, he said thousands had been named as accused. Investigations will identify the actual perpetrators and those included with malicious intent will be recommended for discharge.

The minister also outlined measures to ensure safe travel during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.

No cattle markets will be allowed on highways or near railway tracks, he said. Police will use body cameras at major cattle markets to prevent fraud, and special devices will be used to detect counterfeit currency.

A central monitoring cell will be set up at police headquarters seven days before Eid, he added. Highways across the country will be monitored through CCTV, with alternative arrangements where cameras are unavailable.

The home minister said district administrations, police, and inland water transport authorities have been instructed to ensure passenger safety at ferry terminals, with awareness to be raised through signboards and public announcements.

Asked whether “pushbacks” along the border could increase following political developments in India and recent rhetoric referring to Muslims as Bangladeshi infiltrators, the minister said he does not see any such possibility after the BJP’s victory in West Bengal.

“Despite this, we have instructed Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to remain alert along the frontiers so they can respond promptly if any such incident occurs,” he said.

“I hope no such incident will happen.”