"Whoever is involved in extortion, even if he happens to be my own son, will receive no leniency from the law. I am issuing clear instructions to the administration that no lobbying or flexibility will be tolerated in suppressing criminals and extortionists."
Abdul Awal Mintoo MP, Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, issued this stern warning while speaking as the chief guest at a special exchange of views meeting held on Tuesday afternoon (October 20) at the office of the Daganbhuiyan Bazaar Businessmen's Welfare Association in Feni.
The meeting was presided over by Jasim Uddin Liton, General Secretary of the Daganbhuiyan Bazaar Businessmen's Welfare Association.
Declaring a war against drugs and environmental pollution during the meeting, Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo said, "There will be no compromise with extortion, alcohol, cannabis, or activities that destroy the environment. The administration must operate with a free hand to keep Daganbhuiyan completely peaceful and safe."
Addressing the derailment of the younger generation, the minister offered a reflective perspective: "We and our society are also responsible for the decline of today's children and youth. Alongside their education, we are unable to provide them with sufficient playgrounds or opportunities for healthy entertainment. Most importantly, when they fail to secure employment after completing their studies, the curse of unemployment pushes them toward crime." He stressed the need to create local employment and restore sports facilities to protect the youth.
Demonstrating a keen interest in listening directly to local traders and residents, the minister opted against lengthy formal speeches and instead listened to the problems and grievances of the attendees. When local traders highlighted various administrative and local issues affecting their businesses, the minister assured them of swift resolutions.
At the start of the event, business leaders led by President Jasim Uddin Liton welcomed the chief guest and special guests with floral bouquets and crests.
Additional DIG of Chittagong Range Shafiqul Islam, Daganbhuiyan Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shahidul Islam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Daganbhuiyan Police Station Fayzul Amin Noman, former Mayor and Convener of Daganbhuiyan Upazila BNP Akbar Hossain were present as special guests and offered directives on maintaining law and order. Local political and business leaders including A. S. M. Nur Nabi Dulal, Ismail Hossain, Jamshedur Rahman Fotik, former Councilor Abul Kashem, and Gias Uddin also spoke at the event.
Speakers lauded the minister's timely and courageous stance toward strengthening security and maintaining a business-friendly environment in Daganbhuiyan Bazaar. Following the meeting, the minister inspected the overall situation of the market.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Md. Fakhrul Islam, Feni Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
