DHAKA : Home Minster Salahuddin Ahmed today reaffirmed the government's commitment to enforcing a strict reward and punishment policy to transform the country's law enforcement agencies into people-friendly and service-oriented institutions in line with the aspirations of the people following the July Mass Uprising.

"The reward and punishment policy will continue. Police personnel who perform their duties with honesty, courage and patriotism will receive due recognition and rewards, while those who violate laws and regulations, obstruct public service or engage in misconduct will face strict administrative and legal action," he said.

He made the remarks while addressing a ceremony as the chief guest at the Home Ministry's conference room, where certificates of recognition and financial rewards were presented to police personnel for acts of bravery and outstanding service. 

Following the award ceremony, Ahmed briefed reporters on several contemporary and political issues.

Responding to a question about the improvised explosive device (IED) recovered beneath Motijheel Metro Rail Station, he said there was no basis to believe the device was planted to target the reverse Rath Yatra or any particular religious festival, describing the timing as coincidental. 

He said the DMP Bomb Disposal Unit successfully neutralised the device and an investigation is underway.

On the resignation and security arrangements of former President Mohammed Shahabuddin, the minister said the resignation letter had been submitted to the Speaker in accordance with the relevant constitutional provisions and had been accepted.

He said every citizen and political party has the right to express opinions and stage protests following the Mass Uprising. 

He added that the constitutional immunity enjoyed by a former president for actions taken during tenure would remain in force.

Ahmed also said the former president is receiving full security through a coordinated arrangement involving the Special Security Force (SSF) and the President's Guard Regiment (PGR) and the police.

Responding questions over the absence of a police medal ceremony during this year's Police Week, the minister said technical errors and irregularities had been detected in the preliminary list prepared in haste. 

The list is being re-examined and medals will be awarded to deserving officers after completion of the verification process, he said.

Speaking at the event, Acting Secretary of the Home Ministry and Additional Secretary (Political and Immigration) Dr Ziauddin Ahmed delivered the welcome address.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, senior officials of the Home Ministry and Bangladesh Police were present. 

DIG (Confidential) at Police Headquarters Md Kamrul Ahsan conducted the programme.

A total of nine police personnel received awards for two separate acts of bravery and commendable service.

Seven police personnel were honoured for recovering a migrant worker's lost passport and other important documents within 30 minutes through the joint efforts of the National Emergency Service 999 and Dhaka Railway Police Station.

The recipients were Inspector (Unarmed) Zainal Abedin, ASIs (Unarmed) Mohammad Humayun Kabir and Md Rajikul Islam, Constables Md Shahinur Islam and Azmir Hossain of Dhaka Railway Police Station, and SI (Unarmed) Md Mizanur Rahman and Constable Bulbul Ahmed of National Emergency Service 999.

Two traffic sergeants—MS Mahmud Ali and Md Tuhinur Rahman Tuhin of the DMP Traffic Mirpur Division's Pallabi Zone—were also honoured for arresting a snatcher.