There is no plan to launch ‘operation clean heart’

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has categorically stated that there is no plan to launch an operation similar to ‘Operation Clean Heart.’

He made the statement on Wednesday afternoon after inaugurating the Cyber Police Center and Digital Forensic Lab of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Chattogram.

Responding to a question from journalists about whether the government faced any challenges amid speculation about possible sabotage surrounding the upcoming local government elections and events in December as well as ongoing opposition protests, the home minister said, ‘We have responsibilities in all matters. However, we have no challenges ahead of us.’

In response to another question about the police's role in preventing crime and ensuring security, the home minister said, ‘Police officers are sometimes attacked when they try to prevent crime. This is nothing new. We are making every possible effort to suppress criminal activities. If someone assists an accused person when the police attempt to make an arrest and we obtain information about it, appropriate legal action will also be taken against that person.’

However, toward the end of the briefing, the minister expressed some irritation at several lengthy, contextless and disorganized questions from journalists. He said, ‘None of your questions are well organized.’ He then said, ‘Khoda Hafez’ and left the briefing venue without answering any further questions.

Earlier, in his inaugural speech, the home minister announced that digital forensic labs would soon be established at the headquarters of all eight administrative divisions in the country.

He said the nature of crime had changed worldwide. Various crimes, including scams and stock market manipulation, were being committed through cyberspace. There was no alternative to digital forensic labs for preventing and combating these crimes.

He also noted that precise scientific analysis and evidence were necessary to expedite the delivery of justice in the judicial system.

He further said the police must be equally well equipped to tackle criminals in the digital world. Necessary laboratory facilities and logistical equipment were being prepared to achieve this goal.

The cyber lab in Chattogram was established with assistance from the South Korean government and its international cooperation agency, KOICA.

Referring to the formation of a new police unit to combat cybercrime, the home minister said, ‘The Police Cyber Unit officially began operations on October 1 under the leadership of an additional inspector general of police. Although the Digital Forensic Lab is operated under the leadership of the CID, there will be interdepartmental coordination with the Cyber Unit. The police must be equally well equipped to tackle criminals in the digital world. To this end, initiatives are being taken to enhance digital forensic analysis capabilities at the central level as well as at the divisional, district and upazila levels.’

Member of Parliament Saeed Al Noman, South Korean Ambassador Kim Ji Jun and Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir were present at the event.