Government rejects ‘Clean Heart’ model and expands cyber forensics

From 15 October 2026 — Daily Brief

The government has no plan to launch an anti-crime campaign modelled on Operation Clean Heart, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said while opening a new cyber police and forensic facility in Chattogram.

Salahuddin said law-enforcement agencies would continue acting against criminals but did not see the need for a military-led sweep. Operation Clean Heart, conducted in 2002-03, remains politically sensitive because of deaths in custody and the indemnity later given to participants.

The minister instead emphasised technical capacity. The government plans to establish digital forensic laboratories at all eight divisional headquarters and is seeking international assistance, including from South Korea.

Officials say crimes ranging from fraud to stock-market manipulation increasingly rely on digital platforms, requiring investigators to recover, authenticate and analyse electronic evidence. The Chattogram centre is intended to support that work outside Dhaka.

The shift is sensible only if capability is matched by safeguards. Digital forensics can strengthen investigations, but it also expands the state’s access to personal data and devices. Clear warrant procedures, evidence-handling standards, independent oversight and trained prosecutors will be needed to ensure that more advanced tools improve convictions without weakening due process or privacy.