Home Secretary Facing Criticism Over Failure to Curb Drug Traffic

The Home Secretary, Salahuddin Ahmed, has come under heavy scrutiny from political opponents over his apparent inability to tackle the rampant narcotics trade in his own home district. This high-profile criticism was raised by Nahid Islam, the Convenor of the National Citizen’s Party (NCP) and the Opposition Chief Whip, who questioned the government’s broader capacity to maintain nationwide law and order given the legislative lapses in local regions.

Speaking on Monday afternoon at a major political rally in Kaliganj, Gazipur, Islam addressed a large gathering assembled to mark the second anniversary of the July mass uprising. The event was organised as a key component of the NCP’s month-long commemorative programme, culminating in the “July Procession”. The demonstration served as a platform for the opposition to challenge the ruling administration’s domestic policies and regional security failures.

Parliament Scrutiny and Local Shortcomings

The political assault follows recent parliamentary debates where the government’s anti-narcotics strategy was openly challenged from within. Islam highlighted that a Member of Parliament from the Home Secretary’s own political party had recently designated Cox’s Bazar as the primary breeding ground for drug trafficking in the country. This internal admission has provided significant leverage to opposition leaders questioning institutional efficacy.

“I must urge the Home Secretary to first halt the illicit drug trade in Cox’s Bazar,” Islam declared during his address. He added that if the ministry remains incapable of enforcing the law in the Home Secretary’s own constituency, the public cannot realistically expect the administration to eradicate narcotics or guarantee robust law and order across the wider nation. The opposition leader demanded immediate, transparent operational accountability from the home ministry to address these vulnerabilities.

Commemorations and the Reform Agenda

The rally in Kaliganj marked a significant milestone for the NCP as it launched its coordinated regional campaign. The procession drew considerable local support, reflecting ongoing public interest in the political legacy of the July uprising. Key central figures from the party hierarchy were in attendance to support the rally, including the NCP Member Secretary, Akhtar Hossain, and the Chief Organiser for the northern region, Sarjis Alam, alongside numerous local community leaders.

During the speeches, party executives reaffirmed their commitment to the foundational goals of the historic uprising. Leaders pledged to sustain their current political programmes, focusing heavily on democratic reforms, institutional transparency, and the preservation of citizens’ rights. The speakers collectively asserted that the fight against institutional corruption and the illegal narcotics trade remains a vital element of their ongoing national reform agenda.