The government will not shoulder the responsibility for the public suffering caused by a handful of political figures or “godfathers.” No leniency will be shown, even if members of his own party are involved. Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Anisul Huq, MP, made these remarks while addressing allegations of excessive charges for passenger crossings at the Rupsha Ghat and massive corruption in the construction of the Rupsha Bridge approach road.

He spoke as the chief guest on Monday afternoon (September 14) at an exchange meeting held at the Khulna Deputy Commissioner’s office. The meeting aimed to discuss maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, controlling drugs and corruption, establishing good governance, and accelerating overall development activities in the district. Highlighting the irregularities at Rupsha Ghat, the Law Minister noted that separate fees were being charged just to transport people’s bags across the river.

Upon learning of this, he instructed the Deputy Commissioner to take immediate action. He also mentioned that, if possible, mobile courts would be conducted at the site starting the very next day. Describing the allegations regarding the Rupsha Bridge approach road construction as “massive corruption,” the Minister stated that a proposal had been made to extend the project’s deadline for the fourth time, claiming that over 95 percent of the work on the 3.75-kilometer road was complete. Yet, the project’s cost had ballooned to Tk 280 crore. He noted that the initial estimated cost for the road—tendered in 2022—was around Tk 35 to 40 crore. It later rose to Tk 280 crore.

When the issue was raised, the Prime Minister termed it not merely corruption, but “massive corruption.” Subsequently, an investigation led by the Cabinet Secretary was conducted. The probe revealed significant corruption surrounding the road construction in the Rupsha Ghat area. Action is currently being taken regarding this matter. The Law Minister asserted that the government would not tolerate the tarnishing of the party’s reputation for the sake of the personal gain of five to ten individuals at Rupsha Ghat. The administration must take necessary legal action.

Dismissing allegations of political interference regarding bail proceedings, he stated that the judiciary is independent. The government does not interfere with the judiciary. There is absolutely no question of issuing instructions over the phone regarding whether or not to grant bail. Public prosecutors will take the necessary legal steps to oppose bail. He told journalists that if the public prosecutor’s office raises only a mild objection or offers no objection in a case, news reports should be published based on the facts. “Provide me with the information and publish the news. The rest will become history; I will handle the rest.” “We will not compromise on that matter.”

Highlighting the experience of introducing dope tests to control drug abuse, the minister stated that the system is working effectively in Shailkupa and Jhenaidah. Individuals detained on suspicion of drug addiction or involvement with drugs are being tested on the spot.If a test returns positive, arrangements are made for a summary trial conducted by a judicial magistrate. Regarding the law and order situation, he remarked that the state machinery had suffered from decay over the past 17 years.

He also claimed that 1,400 people were killed and 30,000 were left permanently disabled during the July mass uprising. Noting that many individuals involved in these incidents remain in their jobs, the minister said the government must be given time to clear out the “garbage” from the state machinery. Responding to criticism of the government’s six-month performance, he said that changes are gradually becoming visible. He also highlighted measures such as reducing fuel allocations for ministers by 30 percent and scaling back the Prime Minister’s protocol.

National Parliament Whip Rakibul Islam Bakul, Members of Parliament Azizul Bari Helal and Amir Ejaz Khan, Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, WASA Administrator Md. Moniruzzaman Moni, KDA Chairman Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona, and District Council Administrator Monirul Hasan Bappi, along with representatives from the administration, various political parties, civil society, and the media, were present at the meeting.