Police won't take blame for members' misdeeds

The Police Headquarters yesterday instructed all its deputy inspectors general (DIGs) and superintendents of police (SPs) to take stern action against the police personnel involved in criminal activities.

The force will not take the responsibility of any police member's misdeeds, it said.

High police officials were given the instruction at a quarterly crime conference at the Police Headquarters (PHQ) in the capital.

According to PHQ security cell information, the headquarters has taken action against 67,039 police personnel in the last five years for their misdeeds.

Speaking at the conference, Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Hoque said they are continuously providing advocacy to the members of police about the negative impact of narcotics. A highly-placed source present in the meeting confirmed it to The Daily Star.

But they are still receiving complaints regarding some police officials' involvement in narcotics business, he said.

Stern actions will be taken if any policeman is found guilty, said the police chief.

Javed Patwari, special branch (SB) chief, said there are allegations that some police officials are involved in harassing people by putting Yaba pills inside their clothes and later bringing false charges against them for possessing contraband items.   

He instructed police officials to stay away from the practice as it tarnishes the  hard-earned achievement of police.

The official further instructed the field-level SPs to remain alert so that none can spread rumor or misleading information on the social media.

In the conference, the high police officials were also instructed to ensure a pro-active policing in local police stations.

Rohingya crisis and the attack of some Rohingyas on Bangladeshi community in Cox's Bazar also got priority in the discussion.

A high official of SB said Rohingyas are a threat to the country's law and order. The official put emphasis on strengthening intelligence so that Rohingya do not spread out in the country.

Talking to this newspaper, a number of SPs said they were instructed to ensure traffic management.

Instructions were also given to increase intelligence vigilance and work with patience during the upcoming city corporation elections and Biswa Ijtema.

In the conference, deputy inspector general (crime management) presented the crime situation from July to September of the year. During the period, a total of 56,474 cases were filed across the country and the statistics showed the rising trend of robbery, murder and woman harassment comparing to that of the previous three months.