The law-and-order situation in Sajek in the Chattogram Hill Tracts is now fully under control, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said, attributing recent tensions to internal conflicts and struggles for dominance among several small armed groups.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Bangladesh Secretariat today (25 October), the minister said such tensions tended to emerge during the tourist season each year.
The Bangladesh Army and police had taken necessary measures to maintain peace and order in the area, while political discussions with local leaders were continuing, he said.
Local MP Wadud Bhuiyan and other local leaders were also involved in the discussions to help maintain stability, the minister added.
Salahuddin made the remarks during a briefing on contemporary issues at the conference room of the Home Ministry.
Election under caretaker government
Responding to questions about the next national election, the home minister said it would be held under a neutral caretaker government.
He said the necessary constitutional amendments would be introduced through the legislature to restore the caretaker government system, describing it as a key commitment arising from political consensus and the movement.
Referring to the legal developments surrounding the 13th Amendment, he said the necessary legislative steps would be taken to reinstate the system.
Repeated requests for Hasina's return
The government has repeatedly requested a neighbouring country, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to return former prime minister Sheikh Hasina under the law and the existing extradition treaty, Salahuddin said.
Asked about social media claims that Hasina would return to Bangladesh in December and her statements made abroad, the minister said the requests had been sent in accordance with the relevant legal provisions.
He warned that the government would not allow fugitive criminals or what he described as fascist forces to engage in subversive activities or create instability in Bangladesh.
Durga Puja passed peacefully
The minister said this year's Sharadiya Durga Puja had been celebrated peacefully under tight security, describing it as an example of religious harmony.
He attributed the outcome to advance preparations by law enforcement agencies and continuous monitoring using modern technology. Authorities had taken preventive measures and thwarted a few potential sabotage plans, he added.
According to the minister, a record 33,851 Puja pandals were set up across the country this year.
He said the government had increased the allocation for the festival to Tk5 crore from a previous maximum of Tk4 crore. The rice allocation for each pandal had also been raised by 100kg to 600kg.
Hindu communities enjoyed five consecutive days of holiday during the festival, including three public holidays, he added.
Salahuddin thanked police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar, intelligence agencies, journalists and others involved in ensuring the celebrations remained peaceful.
Police attack in Gopalganj
Responding to a question about a recent incident near Kheyaghat in Gopalganj Sadar, the home minister alleged that activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations, Chhatra League and Jubo League, had attempted to attack police officers on patrol.
He said legal action against those involved had begun after authorities reviewed video footage of the incident.
Action against additional DIG
Asked about a raid on an additional deputy inspector general's residence during the Puja holidays and the sentencing of 85 people through a mobile court, Salahuddin said the officer had already been attached to another post.
Departmental proceedings and other legal processes would continue against the officer under the applicable laws, he added.