Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed attended the first meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Home Ministry. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Aug 13, 2026 (BSS)- Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has called for stronger and coordinated efforts to eliminate drugs and gambling, identifying them as two of the major challenges facing the country.

“All members of parliament are committed to a “zero tolerance” policy against drugs, stressing that law enforcement efforts must be complemented by greater public awareness and coordinated action by all relevant agencies and stakeholders,” he said.

Speaking at the first meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Home Ministry at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban today, the minister said the government has already taken a number of effective measures to curb drug-related crimes.

He said the government has intensified enforcement through mobile courts and the establishment of tribunals and courts with appropriate jurisdiction to deal with drug-related offences.

The meeting, chaired by committee chairman Zainul Abedin, also reviewed the overall law and order situation and measures taken to ensure public security.

Salahuddin  said effective measures have also been taken to ensure complete transparency in police recruitment over the past six months, without any political influence or party-based considerations.

The meeting reviewed the overall activities of the Home Ministry and its agencies through a presentation. 

The committee also discussed the ministry's budget allocation and expenditure plans for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

The proposed total budget for the Home Ministry for FY 2026-27 is TK  31,099 crore, comprising TK 28,638.79 crore for the operating budget and TK 2,460.21 crore for the development budget.

The committee urged the ministry and its agencies to intensify efforts to improve law and order, ensure public safety, eliminate drugs and combat crime. 

It also assured continued parliamentary oversight and necessary cooperation in these areas.