State Minister for Chattogram Hill Tracts  Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin spoke at an iftar mahfil organised by  Chattogram Metropolitan BNP. Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, March 7, 2026 (BSS)- State Minister for Chattogram Hill Tracts 
Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin on Friday said the government has declared a 
"zero tolerance" policy against crime and criminal activities in the society. 

He stated that in order to build a new Bangladesh and maintain peace and 
order, anyone involved in crime regardless of identity will be brought under 
the law.

He made these remarks while addressing an iftar mahfil organised by 
Chattogram Metropolitan BNP and a discussion hosted by Hefazat-e-Islam at 
Hathazari here last night.

Speaking on the occasion at the Jamiatul Falah National Mosque ground in the 
city, Mir Helal said the government has taken a strong stance against 
extortion and land grabbing. 

He emphasized that no political affiliation will be considered when ensuring 
public safety and meeting the expectations of citizens. Even party leaders 
and activists will not be spared if they are found involved in criminal 
activities.

The state minister also noted that the government, formed through a large 
public mandate, is working under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique 
Rahman to build a prosperous and peaceful nation.

On the same day, the minister stressed the importance of religious harmony 
while addressing another iftar mahfil organised by Hefazat-e-Islam at 
Hathazari. 

He said in an independent Bangladesh, all citizens will live with equal 
rights and freely practice their own religions. Peaceful coexistence without 
harming others' beliefs remains a key national objective, he added.

"We will work together to safeguard the faith and turn Hathazari into a safe 
and peaceful community," he continued.

Regarding the development of Hathazari, he mentioned that road repairing and 
development projects have already begun in the Chattogram-5 constituency. To 
ensure transparency, live updates of each project are being shared on social 
media and citizens have the opportunity to directly submit complaints or 
feedback.

The iftar organized by Chattogram Metropolitan BNP was presided over by its 
convener and Member of Parliament Ershadullah where Abu Sufian, MP, was 
present as special guest. Thousands of leaders and activists from BNP, Jubo 
Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal, along with representatives of 
various professional groups, attended the event.

Meanwhile, the Hathazari event was presided over by Allama Mufti Muhammad Ali 
Qasemi, president of Hefazat-e-Islam Hathazari. Nayeb-e-Ameer of Hefazat 
Mufti Jasim Uddin and Sheikhul Hadith of Hathazari Madrasa Allama Shoaib 
Jomiri were present,aAmong others, at the function.

The programme concluded with a special prayer seeking forgiveness for the 
souls of martyrs of political movements including former President Ziaur 
Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia and prayers for the prosperity of the country 
and the entire nation.