Mistakes can occur in anti-narcotics drive: Obaidul Quader

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said that one or two mistakes may occur during the ongoing anti-narcotics drive.

"It's a huge drive, one or two mistake can occur during it" the minister said in reference to recent outcry over the death of a ward councilor in 'shady circumstances' during the war on drugs, reports UNB.

Talking to reporters over the alleged murder of Teknaf municipality councilor Ekramul Haque, the minister said if it is proved in investigation that Ekramul fell victim to the anti-narcotics drive of the law enforcement agencies then proper measures will be taken by the government.

If innocent people fall victim to the ongoing anti-narcotics drive, the government will take proper step after investigation, he assured.

The minister was inaugurating a special bus service for women - 'Dolonchapa' - as the chief guest at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city.

Quader claimed, "People are happy with the anti-drug drive and the death of Ekram did not make it questionable at all'.

He said everyone wants a drug-free country but if anyone gets harassed or victimised then they (govt) would be tough against it.

The minister also said "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina suggested us to be aware about this kind of harassment of innocent people."

"Ekram was a member of Awami League. The members of law-enforcement agencies would not remain out of the purview of investigation and punishment."

Secretary General of Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Samity (BSPS) Khandakar Enayet Ullah and Chairman of Rangs Group Abdur Rouf Chowdhury also addressed the programme.