Minister for Labor and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ariful Haque Choudhury. File Photo

SYLHET, April 12, 2026 (BSS) — Minister for Labor and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ariful  Haque Choudhury today issued stern directives to curb border smuggling and eliminate passenger harassment at the airport.

“Local administration will have to adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward such unauthorized activities to ensure public safety and the preservation of the environment,” he said while speaking at the monthly meeting of the Sylhet District Law and Order Committee held at the District Collector’s office in the city, said a press release.
During the meeting, the minister provided comprehensive guidance to enhance the overall security and administrative discipline of the region. 

He specifically ordered the relevant security forces to maintain maximum vigilance in border areas to prevent drug trafficking and all other forms of smuggling.

Highlighting his commitment to the welfare of expatriates, the minister emphasized a strict stance on airport operations. 

He demanded an immediate end to the harassment of passengers to ensure a hassle-free experience for travelers and those returning from abroad.

Regarding environmental protection and resource management, Ariful Haque called for strict legal action against the illegal extraction of sand and stones across the district. 

Advocate Emran Ahmad Chowdhury, Member of Parliament for Sylhet-6, attended the session as a special guest. 

Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Sylhet Md. Sarwoer Alam chaired the meeting while senior officials from the District Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and representatives from various government departments attended it.

The meeting reviewed the district's overall law and order situation and reached several key decisions to bolster public security.