Govt declares zero tolerance against crime to build harmonious country: Mir Helal
State Minister for Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin on Friday said the government has declared a "zero tolerance" policy against crime and criminal activities in the society. He stated that in order to build a new Bangladesh and maintain peace and order, anyone involved in crime regardless of identity will be brought under the law. He made these remarks while addressing an iftar mahfil organised by Chattogram Metropolitan BNP and a discussion hosted by Hefazat-e-Islam at Hathazari here last night. Speaking on the occasion at the Jamiatul Falah National Mosque ground in the city, Mir Helal said the government has taken a strong stance against extortion and land grabbing.
He emphasized that no political affiliation will be considered when ensuring public safety and meeting the expectations of citizens. Even party leaders and activists will not be spared if they are found involved in criminal activities. The state minister also noted that the government, formed through a large public mandate, is working under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to build a prosperous and peaceful nation. On the same day, the minister stressed the importance of religious harmony while addressing another iftar mahfil organised by Hefazat-e-Islam at Hathazari.
He said in an independent Bangladesh, all citizens will live with equal rights and freely practice their own religions. Peaceful coexistence without harming others' beliefs remains a key national objective, he added. "We will work together to safeguard the faith and turn Hathazari into a safe and peaceful community," he continued. Regarding the development of Hathazari, he mentioned that road repairing and development projects have already begun in the Chattogram-5 constituency. To ensure transparency, live updates of each project are being shared on social media and citizens have the opportunity to directly submit complaints or feedback.
The iftar organized by Chattogram Metropolitan BNP was presided over by its convener and Member of Parliament Ershadullah where Abu Sufian, MP, was present as special guest. Thousands of leaders and activists from BNP, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal, along with representatives of various professional groups, attended the event. Meanwhile, the Hathazari event was presided over by Allama Mufti Muhammad Ali Qasemi, president of Hefazat-e-Islam Hathazari. Nayeb-e-Ameer of Hefazat Mufti Jasim Uddin and Sheikhul Hadith of Hathazari Madrasa Allama Shoaib Jomiri were present,aAmong others, at the function. The programme concluded with a special prayer seeking forgiveness for the souls of martyrs of political movements including former President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia and prayers for the prosperity of the country and the entire nation.
