Ex-police officials oppose Ansar seeking authority

Months after Bangladesh Ansar and VDP (Village Defence Party) submitted a proposal to the home ministry seeking authority to investigate criminal cases, association of former police officials has requested the government not to approve it.

Presently, Ansars are working as an associate force of Bangladesh Police who are the sole authority to investigate the criminal cases.

Sakhawat Hossain, a deputy director of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP, told The Daily Star that they made the demand so that they can keep pace with the time. “…We are hopeful as the prime minister also has concerns regarding it,” he added.

In a statement yesterday, Bangladesh Retired Police Officers' Welfare Association (BRPOWA) said their [Ansar] demand will create an adverse impact on the police. The BRPOWA termed the proposal unreasonable and unwanted.

Earlier, the Ansar first placed a draft proposal to the ministry in 2015. Later, the ministry asked for a full proposal in September last year and the force placed it in July this year.

In the proposal, they mentioned that the force should be treated as a security force under section 152 of the constitution. 

The force will investigate criminal cases. The commanding officer of the Ansar battalion will take charge of the investigation and the officials will be able to arrest criminals and terrorists.

The proposal also adds that the Ansar members will be able to recover arms and explosives and ensure security of important persons and national organisations.

The Daily Star has obtained a copy of the proposal.

According to officials, Bangladesh Ansar presently has 40 battalions -- two female and 38 male. Each unit has 416 personnel.

Contacted, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said they have received the proposal but are yet to take a decision in this regard.