Jewellers seek ministry task force on-boarding

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) called on the government on Wednesday to include their representatives in the home ministry's anti-gold smuggling task force, citing concerns over alleged harassment by law enforcement officials.

BAJUS leaders made the request during a meeting with Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, according to a statement issued by the gold trade body.

They claimed that jewellers were often "harassed" while transporting valuable metals, despite providing necessary documents like ID cards and BAJUS membership credentials.

The association requested the minister to take steps to ensure law enforcers do not harass jewellers when they can demonstrate proof of identity and legitimate business activity.

During the meeting, BAJUS leaders also mentioned a disturbing rise in robberies and thefts, often misclassified as regular burglaries by police.

They proposed amending relevant laws to address this issue and ensure proper investigations into such incidents.

Five BAJUS vice-presidents -- Gulzar Ahmed, Riponul Hasan, Masudur Rahman, Zainal Abedin and Samit Ghosh -- along with former president Dilip Kumar Roy were present at the meeting.

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