Targeting drug smugglers, traders in ongoing drive: Home minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said a special nationwide drive against drugs, firearms and extortion has been underway since May 1.

“We are taking steps to arrest drug smugglers and traders instead of drug addicts,” he said after a meeting of the National Committee on Coordination, Management, and Law and Order of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (Rohingya) at the Secretariat.

The minister said the anti-drug campaign has been intensified, noting that the problem has developed over time.

“As drugs have become widespread and the situation did not arise overnight, we are conducting a strengthened drive to eliminate them. In addition to joint operations, police are also carrying out independent drives, and we have made some progress,” he said.

Responding to a query, Salahuddin said the government has decided to modify the police uniform. The previous shirt used nationwide, including in metropolitan areas, will remain unchanged, while the trousers will be replaced with khaki ones.

“In response to requests from police members, we reviewed how the uniform could be improved,” he said, adding that a more traditional design was also considered.

He said dissatisfaction had been observed across the country and within the police force over the current uniform, which has not been widely accepted.

The minister said it will take time before the revised uniform is introduced, citing preparation, fabric production and tailoring requirements.

Although the decision has not yet been formally notified, it has been finalised and announced today, he added.