No Eviction for Now, Jungle Salimpur to Be Cleared of Militancy: Home Minister

The government will establish a new prison facility in the Jungle Salimpur area of Sitakunda upazila in Chattogram, said Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. However, he clarified that no eviction drive will be carried out at this moment.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting the area on Sunday afternoon.

The Home Minister said a vested quarter is spreading rumours about eviction among local residents. He assured that Jungle Salimpur and the surrounding areas will be made free from militancy, and no criminal sanctuary will be allowed to exist there.

He added that for the past 17 years, the Alinagar–Jungle Salimpur area had been known as a safe haven for criminals, but the government will conduct coordinated and planned operations to eliminate such activities.

He further stated that strict actions will be taken nationwide against drugs, militancy, gambling, and extortion, with a zero-tolerance policy.

Referring to legal limitations, the minister said the Gambling Act of 1867 is no longer effective against modern online and offline betting systems, and the government plans to introduce a new law in the upcoming parliamentary session.

He also said special tribunals will be formed to ensure faster disposal of drug-related cases, many of which have remained pending for years.

Expressing concern over rising juvenile gangs, he said legal loopholes are pushing many youths into crime, which later turns into organized criminal activity, making legal reform necessary.

He reaffirmed that coordinated operations and legal reforms will be used to build a drug-free, crime-free society.

Senior government officials, including representatives from various security and administrative agencies, were present during the visit.