STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed yesterday said the government has taken a policy decision to gradually withdraw the army from field-level law enforcement duties, as discipline has been restored in the police force.

He made the remark while speaking to journalists at the Secretariat after a meeting on stone quarry management.

He said discipline has been restored in the police force since the elected political government assumed office.

Responding to questions, he said a special drive against extortionists and local “godfathers” is ongoing, adding that no one is above the law. He said drug traffickers, criminals and armed offenders are being arrested and punished through courts.

On Sylhet stone and sand quarry issues, the minister said a high-level expert committee has been formed to consider the limited reopening of quarry sites in Sylhet and Sunamganj while ensuring environmental protection and compliance with existing laws and regulations.

He said ecologically critical areas such as Jaflong will remain outside the leasing scope. The committee is expected to submit its report by the end of the month, with a final decision in the first week of June. Steps will also be taken to expedite related court cases, he added.