Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that Jungle Salimpur in Sitakunda will no longer remain a “sanctuary” for criminal groups, as authorities prepare to intensify operations there.

Speaking after a visit to the much-discussed site in Chattogram today, he said the government would firmly establish its authority and take action against those involved in criminal activities.

He added that planned operations had been partially disrupted after information was allegedly leaked, allowing suspected criminals to become alert in advance.

“We could not achieve our target as planned because, for one reason or another, information about the operation appears to have been leaked,” he said.

The minister said criminal groups had previously maintained control over parts of the area through a network of CCTV cameras and lookout posts, which had now been dismantled.

He also referred to an earlier attack on a joint forces camp, questioning how “criminals gained the courage” to challenge government authority, so much so that they had the audacity to damage a Rab facility under construction.

Authorities have identified individuals linked to land grabbing and other illegal activities in the area, he added.

He said nearby locations, including Alinagar, Betua and Cha Bagan, would also be brought under control.

The government is considering infrastructure development for the area, including road links connecting Salimpur with Sitakunda, Bhatiari, the Hathazari Bypass and the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway.

He further said plans were underway to establish facilities for police, BGB, Rab, prisons, and other law-enforcement agencies in the area.

The minister assured residents that a rehabilitation plan would be prepared for long-term settlers and said “no one will be evicted from the area for the time being.”