Home Minister Announces Large Financial Rewards for Recovering Looted and Illegal Weapons
Home Minister Salehuddin Ahmed.
To further strengthen the drive to recover looted and illegal weapons, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has announced substantial financial rewards for informants. At the same time, the minister warned that strict legal and administrative action will be taken against police officers who fail to show progress within a specified timeframe in controlling terrorism, extortion, and drugs.
The Home Minister made these remarks during a press briefing following his speech as the chief guest at the quarterly crime review conference organized by Police Headquarters at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh, Dhaka, today, Saturday.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that regular strategic plans are being formulated to achieve the desired improvement in the country's law and order situation, and to transform the police force into a people-friendly, public-expected institution that enhances its image.
"Operations to recover looted and illegal weapons have already been intensified by forming special units coordinated with various intelligence agencies," the minister stated.
Noting that the government has revised reward amounts for those assisting through information, the minister announced that informants providing details for the recovery of heavy weapons will be rewarded with up to Tk 200,000. Those providing information leading to the recovery of pistols, revolvers, or shotguns will receive up to Tk 50,000.
"Informants who help by providing leads to recover sound grenades, looted tear gas shells, and other looted weapons will also be rewarded with Tk 10,000, Tk 15,000, or Tk 20,000 depending on the case," Salahuddin Ahmed added.
Assuring the security of informants, the minister said that their identities will be kept completely confidential.
Addressing weapons whose licenses were revoked, the Home Minister said, "Weapons whose canceled licenses were not surrendered within the stipulated time have already been classified as illegal weapons, and cases have been filed. Operations to recover them are ongoing."
Reminding the police of their accountability in crime control, the minister noted that a specific deadline has been set to take effective action against terrorists, extortionists, and drug traffickers.
Regarding performance within the timeline, the Home Minister warned that if any officer fails to show expected progress within this designated timeframe, strict action will be taken against them.
Presided over by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, the event featured Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Monzur Morshed Chowdhury as a special guest. Additional IGP (Crime and Operations) Khandker Rafiqul Islam delivered the welcome speech, with Additional IGP (Administration) of Police Headquarters AKM Awlad Hossain in attendance among others.
