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Published : 07 May 2026, 03:22 PM
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has announced the government’s decision to end the indefinite deployment of the Bangladesh Army for maintaining law and order.
He shared the development on Thursday at the Secretariat following a meeting on the current status and future actions for stone and sand-mixed stone quarries in the Sylhet Division.
Salahuddin explained that a policy-level decision has been reached at the government level to ensure the army is not kept in the field indefinitely to control the law and order.
With an elected political government now in power, the minister expressed confidence that the police force has been restored to a “disciplined state”.
Referring to plans for a gradual withdrawal of troops, he said the process would be carried out in coordination with police, the Army and other agencies.
“It is true that we are withdrawing the Army, but how it will be done will be decided step by step through discussions,” he added.
Asked about a rise in extortion activities, Salahuddin said it was too early to draw conclusions.
“Time has not run out yet. Wait and you will see,” he said, adding that wanted suspects linked to narcotics and illegal weapons were being arrested regularly.
He also said punishments were being ensured through summary courts and that no one was above the law.
The meeting also discussed whether limited leasing could be allowed in certain quarry areas while excluding ecologically critical zones, including Jaflong, by strictly following environmental laws and regulations.
The minister said participants at the meeting agreed on the need for a survey report before any decision is taken.
The Sylhet divisional commissioner has been made convenor of the initiative.
According to him, a committee will be formed with the deputy commissioners of Sylhet and Sunamganj, representatives from the environment ministry and subject-matter experts.
The committee will conduct field visits to examine areas facing water blockages and river erosion that could alter border alignments.
It will also assess how deep stone extraction can continue without harming the environment and how tourist attractions in those areas can be protected and promoted.
“There will also be police presence to oversee law and order there,” Salahuddin said.
The minister said another meeting would be held after the committee submits its report, which is expected by the end of this month.
He noted that the committee would also gather information on pending cases linked to these issues through the law ministry and recommend steps for their disposal.
“Whatever we do, we will do it in accordance with the law,” he said.
