State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin -File photo

CHATTOGRAM, July 30, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin today said the government will maintain a zero tolerance policy against all forms of crime and extortion.  

"No individual is above the state . . . the identity of any criminal will be defined by their actions rather than their political affiliations,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a special law and order meeting convened by the Hathazari Upazila last night  

The State Minister said four individuals have already been apprehended in connection with recent extortion cases and assured that the remaining suspects would also be captured shortly. 

Mir Helal expressed concern that many individuals are attempting to engage in criminal activities while misusing the names of various political parties. Anyone committing a crime under the guise of a political party will face consequences, he said, adding that strict legal measures will be enforced against those involved in extortion, terrorism, or social crimes under any party's name. 

If anyone attempts to exploit the party's name for wrongful acts, law enforcement agencies have been directed to take appropriate legal action alongside organizational measures, he added.  

The state minister said for the past 19 years, he has stood by the people of Hathazari in both their joys and sorrows, and he will continue to support them as a son and brother in the future.

Senior officials from the local administration, along with political leaders and activists, were present at the meeting.