Death of ex-Major Sinha isolated incident: Army chief

Bangladesh Army Chief General Aziz Ahmed today said the death of Major (retd) Sinha Md Rashed Khan was "an isolated incident".

Maj (retd) Sinha Md Rashed Khan was shot dead in police firing at a check-post in Cox's Bazar's Teknaf upazila on Friday.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed said that they do not agree with the word "crossfire".

Both of them said this while talking to reporters at Cox's Bazar Army Rest House at noon today.

Before the briefing, the army chief, IGP and high officials of public administration ministry attended a closed door meeting and then visited the scene of the incident.

Army Chief Aziz Ahmed said that they held two meetings with top officials of the two forces.

General Aziz said both army and police forces are shocked over the death of Major (retd) Sinha Rashed.

"As per instruction of the prime minister, a joint team has begun investigation into the incident and we have complete faith in it," he said.

"If any person is found responsible, then the force will not take his responsibility," the army chief also said.

Both army and police forces will be very careful in future so that no such incident reoccurs, he added.

IGP Benazir said, "We don't agree with the word 'crossfire'. Non-government organisations use this word."

"Those who work with NGOs here bring money from abroad for various reasons and say many different things to justify their activities. 'Crossfire' is one of those terms they use," the IGP said.

"The army and police forces have cordial relations and mutual respect and faith for around five decades, and that relationship will, under no way, be damaged with this incident," he said.

"On behalf of the police force, we can assure that the probe body formed by the government will conduct investigation into the incident without any influence," IGP Benazir also said.

"If anyone wants to lodge case, the person has every right to do so. If anyone feels insecure over filing of case, measures will be taken to ensure security of everyone concerned with the case," he added.