Dhaka: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Home Ministry on Thursday emphasized the need for stronger and coordinated efforts to eradicate drugs, curb crime, and further enhance the country’s law enforcement and public security frameworks.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the call to action emerged during the inaugural meeting of the committee of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, convened at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban under the leadership of committee chairman Zainul Abedin, MP. The meeting pinpointed drugs and gambling as significant national issues, urging effective strategies for their elimination. It highlighted the necessity for heightened public awareness alongside a more cohesive and effective collaboration among all stakeholders in the fight against drugs, as stated in a press release.
The committee was briefed on several initiatives already undertaken by the Home Ministry to combat drugs, including the deployment of mobile courts and the establishment of tribunals and courts with specific jurisdiction for drug-related cases. Additionally, the committee reviewed the current law and order status and various measures implemented to safeguard public security. A detailed presentation on the Home Ministry’s activities was also delivered to the members.
It was reported during the meeting that complete transparency had been upheld in police recruitment over the past six months, free from political influence or partisanship. Furthermore, insights into the sector-wise allocation and expenditure plans for the Ministry and its subordinate agencies for the fiscal year 2026-27 were provided. This included detailed sector-wise budget and expenditure allocations for all agencies under the ministry for the fiscal year concluding on June 30, 2027.
The proposed budget for the Ministry of Home Affairs for FY2026-27 stands at Tk 31,099 crore, comprising Tk 28,638.79 crore for the operating budget and Tk 2,460.21 crore for the development budget. The committee underscored the necessity for ongoing support and efficient oversight to ensure improvements in law and order, public security, drug control, and crime prevention.
The meeting saw the participation of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, MP; Parliamentary Whip Rakibul Islam, MP; Parliamentary Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu, MP; Mir Shah Alam, MP; Md Kamruzzaman, MP; Md Monwar Hossain, MP; Shirin Sultana, MP; Md Nurul Islam, MP; and Md Abdul Baten, MP. Senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, including the senior secretary, inspector general of police, and directors general of departments under the ministry, along with a brigadier general and other senior officials, heads of relevant agencies, and officials from the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat, were also present.