Cox’s Bazar, Apr 14 (V7N) — Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that public awareness must be increased alongside the effective performance of law enforcement agencies to improve the country’s law and order situation. He also announced that a nationwide campaign to make the country drug-free will be launched soon.

He made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Cox’s Bazar on Tuesday afternoon (April 14).

The Home Minister said the BNP-led government is committed to fulfilling its election promises. “We are implementing our pledges even before the ink of the election is dry,” he said.

He stated that one of the government’s early decisions was to waive agricultural loans for farmers, including interest relief. He added that the resulting revenue gap has been managed through coordinated support from the banking sector.

Highlighting social welfare initiatives, he said a family-based “Family Card” program has been introduced, prioritizing women as heads of households to enhance empowerment, financial stability, and social dignity.

He also mentioned that honorariums have been introduced for religious leaders, including imams, muezzins, and khatibs, noting that such recognition was absent in previous administrations.

On the issue of online gambling, the minister described it as a growing social problem and said the government is conducting research to develop effective countermeasures.

Regarding human trafficking, he said strict instructions have been issued to law enforcement agencies to intensify surveillance and carry out coordinated operations in vulnerable areas to prevent trafficking activities.

END/SMA/AJ