Addressing the Police Week 2026 medal presentation ceremony as chief guest on Saturday morning, the Home Minister emphasized the crucial role of internal intelligence in apprehending fugitives who have gone into hiding across the country.

“We will reward those who can bring the accomplices of fascism and Awami forces under the law,” the minister declared at the event held at 11:00 AM. He noted recent progress by law enforcement agencies, revealing that two key operatives were arrested last week, alongside another high-profile arrest on Friday.

Urging officers to step up their surveillance networks, the minister questioned why these individuals remained hidden within the country for so long. “Where was our intelligence support? I consider the police’s intelligence capacity to be the finest. While I cross-examine intelligence gathered by other organizations for comparison, you must utilize your own intelligence capabilities to their fullest potential.”

The Home Minister highlighted the gravity of the crimes linked to the previous administration, citing United Nations figures that recorded approximately 1,400 civilian fatalities within a single month during the 2024 uprising. He also referred to the broader history of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and deaths in custody recorded over the preceding 17 years under the regime.

“Can the people of Bangladesh ever invite back a political force that killed 1,400 citizens in a month, fired shots from the sky on its own people, and politicised every institution to turn this country into a state devoid of democracy? Can the public ever want them to engage in politics in Bangladesh again?” he questioned.

He further criticized fugitive leaders operating from abroad, noting that despite the atrocities committed, they have shown no remorse, issued no apologies, and expressed no regret for their actions.

Addressing the extradition of deposed leader Sheikh Hasina and other convicted fugitives currently residing in neighboring India, the minister confirmed that formal legal steps are underway. “We have officially requested the neighboring state, in accordance with the extradition treaty, to return convicted fugitives, including Sheikh Hasina and others,” he stated. He added that while voluntary surrender to face the law remains the ideal outcome, judicial proceedings will rigorously follow their natural course regardless.

During the ceremony, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad personally decorated 98 police officers with the Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM) and President Police Medal (PPM) in recognition of their outstanding service and bravery. Senior Secretary of the Public Security Division Manjur Morshed Chowdhury, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, and other senior officials from the law enforcement ministry were present at the event.