ZCZC
BSS-38
KAMAL-ANTI-DRUG-CAMPAIGN
Drive against drugs to be continued: Home Minister
DHAKA, July 17, 2018 (BSS) – Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal today
said drive against drug peddlers would be continued until elimination of drug
abuse in the country.
“We have declared zero tolerance against illegal drugs and the drive
against drug peddlers is being conducted as per the list prepared by five law
enforcement agencies,” he said while interacting with journalists at ‘meet
the press’ at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity DRU) here.
With DRU president Saiful Islam in the chair, the programme was moderated
by its general secretary Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo.
The minister said the government has also prepared the list of traders of
illegal drugs and their patrons, adding, “None, who are in the list, will be
spared. We are detaining them who are in the list. If anyone is innocent,
he is being released.”
Replying to a query of the government’s steps regarding 200 police
officials whose names appeared as the patrons of drug peddlers in the home
ministry list, he said: “We are not sparing anyone. The alleged officials are
facing departmental action and suspension. One or two have already been sent
to jail.”
Kamal said, “The law enforcement agencies are conducting drive against
illegal drugs across the country following Prime Minister’s directive. We are
always sincere about illegal drugs and our Prime Minister also urged all
strata of people to come forward to eliminate drug abuse.”
The government is working sincerely with all international community,
including the UN, to resolve the Rohingya crisis, the minister said, adding
that the Rohingya issue was one of the main topics in discussion with Indian
home minister during his recent visit.
“Our Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina allowed Rohingyas, who are
citizens of Myanmar, to enter Bangladesh showing humanity, our government
arranges food, housings, medicine and other facilities for them,” he said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina got title ‘Mother of Humanity’ and ‘Star of
the East’ as she gave shelter around 11 lakh Rohingyas in the country and
provided supports and some international NGOs and countries also extended
their supports in this regard, Kamal stated.
Replying to another query over Deputy Inspector General Mizanur Rahman,
the minister said Mizan was suspended immediately and steps were taken to
ensure flawless investigation.
“Departmental or judicial action will be taken against him as per finding
of the investigation,” he added.
Regarding BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s treatment facility, he said the
government offered treatment at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) as it has
all modern healthcare facilities, but she denied.
“We also allowed BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s personal physicians along
with BSMMU specialists for her treatment,” he said.
Kamal said: “Every day, jail doctors are enquiring about her health. I
also inquired the IG prison about her health condition several times.”
Khaleda’s condition did not deteriorate as she was not affected by any new
disease, the minister further said, adding “She was affected by these
illnesses earlier and this is nothing new.”
Replying to another question, the home minister said there was no
extrajudicial killing or abduction is taking place in the country.
He also claimed that none is being abducted, adding that they are
themselves going into hiding due to failure in love or other issues.
When asked the convicts of Bangabandhu killing case, the minister said the
government is keeping contact with different countries, including African
countries, to bring them back.
BSS/ASG/SAS/RY/1840 hrs