Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. File photo

DHAKA, Feb 24, 2026 (BSS) - Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has announced that approval has been granted to withdraw 1,202 additional political harassment cases filed against opposition party leaders, activists, and individuals from various professions during the previous 17-year government tenure.

The minister made the disclosure while briefing reporters at the Home Ministry at the Bangladesh Secretariat today. 

He stated that earlier approval had been given to withdraw 1,006 political harassment cases. 

Salahuddin Ahmed clarified that only cases identified as political harassment are being considered for withdrawal. 
Cases involving serious criminal offenses such as murder, narcotics, illegal weapons, explosives, and violence against women and children are excluded from this initiative, he also said. 

“We have taken the initiative to withdraw several more political harassment cases. We will carefully verify whether the cases are truly political in nature,” the minister said.

He further informed that a verification committee will be formed to ensure the process is not misused. 

A final decision regarding the formation of the committee is expected to be taken soon.

Responding to questions about cases filed after August 5, 2024, the minister said that in several instances, ordinary and innocent individuals were accused for personal gain. 

“Some opportunistic groups have filed these cases, which have come to our attention. We will verify these and find out the correct information,” he added.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to justice, the minister said, “We are determined to establish the rule of law. We will continue to make all-out efforts so that no one becomes a victim of unnecessary harassing cases.”