Ministers’ Maiden Pledges
Extortion, extremism to be stamped out
Says Sahara
Staff Correspondent
Newly appointed Home Minister Advocate Sahara Khatun yesterday vowed to establish rule of law in the country by rooting out terrorism, extremism and extortion from the society.
The country’s first female home minister believes that terrorism and extremism cannot be eliminated only by suing criminals and putting them behind the bars.
“We will have to identify the sources of terrorism, extremism and extortion. And if we can take effective steps to root those out Bangladesh will not be lagging behind,” she told reporters on her first day in office.
Replying to a query, Sahara warned the law enforcing agencies to remain careful so that nobody falls victim to their intentional harassment. She also warned of stern actions against those involved in post-election violence.
Asked if the new government would review the cases of 72,000 jailed people who were allegedly harassed for political differences, Sahara said, she would think over it and take the matter to the cabinet for a decision.
“You’ve seen me on the streets,” she said, adding she would be equally “courageous” as a minister.
Sahara sought blessings and all out cooperation from the countrymen to establish peace and maintain law and order in the country. “I will do everything possible to uphold the trust and honour reposed in me by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”
About post-polls clashes and alleged atrocities, the new home minister said, “The law enforcement agencies will look into that”. She urged the people to refrain from any kind of violence.
Courtesy: thedailystar.net
