Home Minister Urges Crime Reporters to Help Build Crime-Free Society

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday urged crime reporters to play a responsible and objective role in building a crime-free and safer society.

He was speaking as chief guest at a programme in Segunbagicha marking the 43rd founding anniversary of the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB).

The minister said investigative journalists and crime reporters have a crucial role in ensuring a secure society.

"Crime has changed with time and has taken modern, technology-driven and digital forms," he said, adding that responsible journalism and an updated legal framework are essential to prevent emerging crimes.

Ahmed said crime, criminals, criminology, police and the Home Ministry are closely interconnected, and noted that CRAB, with its 318 members, has earned a respected place in investigative journalism over its 43-year journey.

Describing crime as an external "symptom", he stressed the need to identify its root causes. Analysis of heinous and sensational crimes shows that drugs and gambling are major driving forces, he said.

"Punishing offenders alone is not enough. We must examine society to understand why crimes are committed. Addressing the root causes can effectively reduce crime," he said.

Praising crime reporters for working objectively despite life risks, Ahmed said the government would consider providing assistance from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds or other mechanisms to reporters injured on duty.

He said the government would also examine the legal aspects of introducing formal recognition or certificates from the Home Ministry or police for excellence in investigative journalism.

Describing the media as a 'mirror of society' the minister said crime could be significantly reduced if journalists properly fulfill their responsibilities alongside the government and law enforcement agencies.

Citing the success in combating acid violence, he said stringent laws introduced during the government of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, combined with media campaigns and social awareness, had brought acid-related crimes down to almost zero. Similar concerted efforts are needed to fight drugs and online gambling, he added.

To address new challenges, he said, outdated laws are being modernized. The government has replaced the 150-year-old Gambling Act of 1867 with the Gambling Prevention Act 2026 to tackle online gambling, match-fixing and organized digital crime networks. The Narcotics Control (Amendment) Act 2026 has also been enacted, he said.

CRAB President Mirza Mehedi Tamal chaired the programme while MP Shafiqul Islam Masud, DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed and Assistant to the Prime Minister (Political) Md Rashed Khan, among others, spoke. CRAB General Secretary M M Badshah moderated the event.

Later, the home minister inaugurated the day-long programme by cutting a cake.