Bangladesh’s State Minister for Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs, Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, announced a zero tolerance policy against crime and criminal activities in a public address in Chattogram on March 7, 2026. The declaration, made during an iftar event organized by the Chattogram Metropolitan BNP and a discussion hosted by Hefazat-e-Islam, signals a firm government stance on maintaining law and order amid rising concerns over crime and land disputes in the region.

Public Safety as a Priority

Helal emphasized that the government is committed to building a new Bangladesh by ensuring peace and order, regardless of the political affiliations of individuals involved in criminal activities. ‘Anyone involved in crime, regardless of identity, will be brought under the law,’ he said during the event at the Jamiatul Falah National Mosque ground in Chattogram.

The state minister 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. He reiterated that no political leaders or activists will be spared if found guilty of criminal acts.

Helal also highlighted the government’s focus on addressing issues such as extortion and land grabbing, which have long plagued the region. ‘We will work together to safeguard the faith and turn Hathazari into a safe and peaceful community,’ he added during an address to another iftar event organized by Hefazat-e-Islam at Hathazari.

Religious Harmony and Community Development

During the same event, Helal spoke about the importance of religious harmony in an independent Bangladesh. He said all citizens should live with equal rights and be free to practice their own religions. ‘Peaceful coexistence without harming others’ beliefs remains a key national objective,’ he stated.

The minister also mentioned that road repair 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 can directly submit complaints or feedback.

The iftar organized by the Chattogram Metropolitan BNP was presided over by its convener and Member of Parliament Ershadullah, with Abu Sufian, MP, as a 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.

The Hathazari event was presided over by Allama Mufti Muhammad Ali Qasemi, president of Hefazat-e-Islam Hathazari. Other notable attendees included Nayeb-e-Ameer of Hefazat Mufti Jasim Uddin and Sheikhul Hadith of Hathazari Madrasa, Allama Shoaib Jomiri.

Community Engagement and Legacy

The program concluded with a special prayer seeking forgiveness for the souls of martyrs of political movements, including former President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia. Prayers were also offered for the prosperity of the country and the entire nation.

The government’s declaration comes amid growing public concern over crime and corruption in the Chattogram Hill Tracts. According to recent reports, land grabbing incidents have increased by 18% in the region over the past year, and extortion cases have risen by 12% since 2025.

Analysts say the government’s zero tolerance policy could mark a turning point in the fight against organized crime in the region. However, the success of the policy will depend on the government’s ability to enforce the law consistently and address underlying socioeconomic issues.

Officials said that the government will soon announce a thorough anti-crime task force, which will be deployed across the Chattogram Hill Tracts. The task force is expected to include local police, community leaders, and representatives from religious and civil society organizations.

The policy is also expected to impact the upcoming local elections in the region, with voters closely watching how the government follows through on its promises of law and order.