Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the government is adopting a strict, lawful approach to improve the country’s law and order situation and restore public confidence.

At a briefing, after a high-level meeting at the Home Ministry in Bangladesh Secretariat, he noted that rebuilding discipline in institutions inherited in a fragile state will take time, but progress is on track.

The briefing followed a meeting of the National Committee on Coordination, Management and Law and Order related to Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals at the Home Ministry in Bangladesh Secretariat here.

The meeting was attended by Social Welfare Minister Prof. Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, among others.

Responding to questions on recent transfers and compulsory retirements in the police, the minister said these are routine administrative processes carried out in accordance with the law, not politically motivated.

He also warned that criminals released on bail must not engage in further offenses, adding that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and that all crimes, including murder, will be dealt strictly under the law.

The minister announced that a nationwide joint drive against drugs, illegal arms, and extortion has been underway since May 1, involving police, RAB, the Department of Narcotics Control, and intelligence agencies.

The focus is on dismantling major drug syndicates and cross-border smuggling networks under a zero-tolerance policy.