Check papers at terminals: IGP

Amid allegation of extortion and harassment against police on highways, Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque yesterday instructed the law enforcers to check the documents of trucks and covered-vans at the terminals not during the journey.

The instruction came while he was at a discussion with Truck, Covered-van and Tank Lorry Owners and Workers Oikya Parishad and Bangladesh Truck Covered-van Goods Transport Association in the conference room of Police Headquarters, according to a media release.

At the programme, the owners and workers requested the police chief's directives regarding filing of cases despite having actual documents, indiscriminate search in vehicles, collection of additional wrecker fee and misbehaviour with drivers.

The IGP said stern actions will be taken if anyone found taking money illegally.

He later asked for not driving vehicles on highways without documents or fitness certificates to avoid traffic congestion and accidents.

He said vehicles should not be overloaded and hydraulic horns should not be used.

IGP Shahidul Hoque further asked the associations' leaders to settle their problems by strengthening community policing.

The superintendents of police in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Manikganj and Comilla were, among others, present at the discussion.

Hossain Ahmed Majumder, Abul Kashem and Hazi Tofazzel Hossain Majumder were presents on behalf of the truck-covered van associations.