The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has been directed to level up its operations with a particular focus on resolving the capital’s traffic and extortion problems, said Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.
"Although it is not always possible to solve every issue brought to the police at the local station level, citizens should at least receive a patient hearing. Solutions for addressing these concerns were also deliberated," he said following a meeting with senior officials at the DMP headquarters on Thursday (19 September).
He emphasised the importance of revitalising the Bangladesh Police into a humane force reminiscent of its former self, aiming to restore its past glory.
The discussion focused on making the police more people-friendly, ensuring that this effort is not merely limited to paper.
The primary aim, he stated, is for the police to return to their old form as swiftly as possible, fulfilling the public's expectations of a people-friendly force.
In addressing traffic issues, the advisor highlighted the ongoing challenges and discussed ways to improve the situation.
Additionally, extortion in the capital, he noted, is a pressing concern that, if curbed, could potentially help stabilise the prices of essential goods.
He also pointed out the pervasive corruption and bribery within society, underscoring the need for urgent action to tackle these issues.
Commenting on the rise of harassment lawsuits in the capital’s police stations, where plaintiffs often do not know the accused, he stressed that the police have refrained from filing such cases recently.
“Previously, the police would file cases listing ten known individuals and hundreds of unknowns, but now these lawsuits are filed by the public,” he said.
He urged that only the names of actual criminals be included in such cases, as inaccurate accusations delay investigations and may lead to the harassment of innocent individuals.
The adviser added that no arrests should be made without proper investigation and identification of the suspects, stating that he had instructed the Detective Branch (DB) to ensure that identification is confirmed prior to any arrest.
The focus, he said, is solely on apprehending criminals, not ordinary citizens. He assured that the police will strive to make the public feel comfortable with their actions.
Addressing concerns about extra-judicial killings across the country, including in the capital, the advisor highlighted the need to raise public awareness on mob justice.
Referring to a recent incident at Jahangirnagar University, he urged the educated populace to understand the importance of handing wrongdoers over to the law rather than taking justice into their own hands.
He stressed that no individual has the right to act as judge, jury, and executioner, and encouraged the public to work with law enforcement to increase awareness and ensure that innocent people are not subjected to harassment in any circumstances.
