Chittagong Correspondent:
The government has taken a series of important decisions to make Salimpur jungle of Chittagong free from terrorism, extortion and crime. As a part of this, a plan has been taken to shift the present Chittagong Central Jail to Jungle Salimpur area. At the same time, a special joint operation has been announced by the army, RAB, BGB and police.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed gave this information to the journalists after the high-level special law and order meeting held at Chittagong Circuit House on Sunday (May 31).
The Home Minister said that the government has been concerned about the activities of criminal gangs around the Salimpur forest for a long time. Any terrorist or criminal group that challenges the authority of the state will no longer be exempt.
He said, “No terrorist will be allowed to have a sanctuary in Salimpur jungle. Strict action will be taken against those involved in attacks on law enforcement agencies or anti-state activities.”
According to the decision taken in the meeting, a preliminary decision has been taken to shift Chittagong Central Jail to Jungle Salimpur area adjacent to Bayezid Link Road. Officials of the Directorate of Prisons and related government agencies will soon visit the possible places on the ground. Later, land acquisition and infrastructural development activities will begin.
The Home Minister said that not only the prison, but there are also plans to build various government buildings, training academies and public service institutions in the area in the future. For this, a map review and planning meeting has already been held with the concerned departments.
He also said that special operations of joint forces will be conducted to permanently control the law and order situation in Salimpur, Jungle Salimpur and Alinagar areas. Helicopter support will also be used if necessary.
The Home Minister said that the list of active terrorist groups and their hideouts in various areas of Chittagong including Raujan, Rangunia, Fatikchari and Boalkhali has already been prepared. A series of operations against these criminal networks will be conducted under a coordinated plan.
He said, “Ensuring public safety and establishing the rule of law is the top priority of the government. Law enforcement agencies are working with utmost sincerity to build a safe society as per the expectations of the people.”
In the meeting, Minister of State for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, Chittagong City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain, senior secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Director General of BGB, representatives of the army and senior officials of various departments of the government were present.
At the end of the meeting, the Home Minister urged the media workers to cooperate in improving the law and order situation by providing objective news.