Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. File Photo

DHAKA, May 7, 2026 (BSS) - Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the government has taken a policy decision to gradually withdraw the army from field-level law enforcement duties as the overall law and order situation in the country has improved.

“We believe we have been able to bring the police force back to a disciplined state. Public confidence in the police has also increased. So, army will be withdrawn from the field gradually,” he said.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after a meeting on stone quarry management held at the ministry in Bangladesh Secretariat here.

The minister said the army could not remain deployed indefinitely for maintaining law and order after an elected political government assumed office.

Ahmed said the withdrawal process would be carried out in phases through coordination among the police, army and other relevant agencies.

Responding to questions over ongoing anti-crime drives, the minister said special operations against extortionists, drug traders, terrorists, illegal gamblers and armed criminals were continuing across the country.

He said no one was above the law and that law enforcement agencies were conducting operations based on prepared lists. 

“Joint operations are underway in some areas, while single-agency operations are also being conducted,” he added.

The minister claimed the improvement in the country’s law and order situation was now “visible,” though he acknowledged that some people might disagree with the assessment.