Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said the government has taken a policy decision to gradually withdraw the army from field-level law enforcement duties, as discipline has been restored in the police force.

He made the remark while speaking to journalists at the Secretariat after a meeting on stone quarry management.

He said discipline has been restored in the police force since the elected political government assumed office.

Responding to questions, he said a special drive against extortionists and local "godfathers" is ongoing, adding that no one is above the law. He said operations are being conducted across the country using specific lists through joint and separate enforcement actions.

He added that drug traffickers, criminals and armed offenders are being arrested and punished through courts, and said the drives are showing visible progress, with full impact expected to be felt soon.

On Sylhet stone and sand quarry issues, the minister said a high-level expert committee has been formed to consider the limited reopening of quarry sites in Sylhet and Sunamganj while ensuring environmental protection and compliance with existing laws and regulations.

He said the committee’s mandate includes on-site inspections, assessment of siltation-related water blockages in border rivers, review of river erosion and shifting border risks, and recommending technically feasible extraction methods and depths with minimal environmental impact while protecting key tourist sites.

He added that ecologically critical areas such as Jaflong will remain outside the leasing scope. The committee is expected to submit its report by the end of the month, with a final decision in the first week of June. Steps will also be taken to expedite related court cases, he added.