Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has said electronic passports will be launched by the end of this year.
“We’ve entered into an agreement with a German company, who will complete e-passport work as fastest as possible. We hope we can launch e-passport by the end of next month,” he said on Sunday (Nov 3).
The minister was speaking at a dialogue organised by Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters’ Forum (BSRF), a platform of newsmen in the Secretariat beat.
BSRF President Tapan Biswas and General Secretary Shamim Ahmed were present at the event, among others.
The minister said the government has begun dope test at small scale for those joining public service and large-scale test will be launched soon.
“The prime minister has given necessary direction. We’ve asked civil surgeons to conduct dope test on every government employee visiting hospitals for any medical test,” he said.
To a question on the murder of Sagar-Runi journalist couple, Kamal said the High Court had given Rapid Action Battalion to prepare a report on that.
“They’re performing their duty. So far I know, they (RAB) are going to submit the report soon,” he added.
Speaking on passport making of media persons at the Secretariat, Kamal said the secretary of his ministry is working on the matter and that journalist may receive advices to this end soon.