The Ministry of Home Affairs has revamped the “Law and Order Committees” at district and upazila levels to monitor the law-and-order situation, plan preventive measures, and coordinate efforts against offenses and anti-social activities. The committees were established through two separate office orders issued today by KM Yeasir Arafat, deputy secretary of the ministry.
As per the office orders, the committees will assess the overall law-and-order status and related crimes, develop and execute strategies to maintain peace, and take unified actions to combat illegal activities by offenders and anti-social elements. Their responsibilities encompass preventing crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, hijacking, acid attacks, women and child abuse, kidnapping, drug-related crimes, and other offenses.
Moreover, the committees are assigned to promote public involvement in crime prevention, ensure collaboration in various initiatives, and oversee that law enforcement agencies take necessary measures to combat crimes. They are authorized to seek support from relevant entities and address other issues related to maintaining peace while following government directives.
At the district level, the District Law and Order Committee will be chaired by the district magistrate, with the superintendent of police as a member. In metropolitan districts, the deputy police commissioner will also be a member, while in border and coastal areas, representatives from the Armed Forces Division, Border Guard Bangladesh, and Coast Guard will participate as appropriate.
Additionally, members will include the superintendent of the district hospital, civil surgeon, and heads of key district departments like agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and other relevant sectors. Mayors or administrators of municipalities, representatives from professional and civic bodies, such as the district bar association, chamber of commerce, and district press club, will also be part of the committee. The additional district magistrate will serve as the member secretary.
All district parliament members will act as advisers to the committee and must be regularly notified of meetings. The district magistrate can appoint any government official or office head as a member if needed.
At the upazila level, the elected parliament member will be the chief adviser to the committee, with the upazila parishad chairman or administrator and vice-chairman serving as advisers. The upazila nirbahi officer will lead the committee.
Members will include the assistant commissioner (land), health and family planning officer, agriculture, livestock, fisheries officers, fire service officer, education officers, social services officer, and Ansar and VDP officer. The relevant police station’s officer-in-charge will be a member, with representation from the Coast Guard in coastal upazilas. Additionally, heads of government and non-government colleges, madrasas, women affairs officer, and selected representatives from press clubs, civil society, and other platforms will also be part of the committee.
Both office orders mandate that the committees convene at least once a month and can hold additional meetings as needed. Police attendance with relevant information and updates for discussions is required.