Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr Baharul Alam today said police will not arrest anyone without specific proof or reasonable grounds.
“Police will not arrest anyone if there is a case or if there is a name in the case. If anyone thinks that he is not involved in any crime or incident, they should come directly to the police. The police will not arrest anyone without specific evidence or reasonable grounds. No innocent person will be harassed,” he said.
He made these remarks while replying to a series of questions at a press conference organized at the police headquarters.
The police chief said many cases have been filed in the wake of the Anti-Discrimination Movement.
“We will investigate the actual incident and submit a charge sheet or final report to the court,” he said.
Dr Baharul said they will not make indiscriminate arrest without valid reason or investigation.
Replying to a question, he said they are now trying to restore the morale of the police force and infuse a desire in them to go to the people.
“We are working to gain the confidence of the people in police force,” he said.
He said he is scheduled to visit every department of the police force from next week to listen them.
About the survey of the Police Reform Commission, Baharul said, “I believe if the recommendations of the Police Reform Commission are implemented, the police force will become a people-friendly one.”
Md. Alamgir Alam, Additional IG (Administration), Md. Akram Hossain, Additional IG (Crime and Operations), Abu Naser Mohammad Khaled, Additional IG (HR), Md. Rezaul Karim, DIG (Operations), Md. Kamrul Ahsan, DIG (Confidential) among others, were present on the occasion.
The newly appointed IGP condoled the death of those people who were killed in the July- August uprising and sought apology on behalf of the police.
“We have got a new Bangladesh through the student-people movement against discrimination. Everyone will have to work together to build a new Bangladesh,” he said.
Mentioning that many police members have lost their lives while performing their duties, he prayed for eternal peace of their departed souls.
“I convey sympathy to their bereaved family members. I also wish speedy recovery for those who were injured,” he said.
He said, there is no doubt that some police officials have committed crimes and breached the law in the interest of the fascist government during the movement.
“Many innocent policemen have also been killed. Every murder is condemnable,” he said.
Baharul said that Bangladesh police faced huge challenges after August 5 changeover.
However, the operational activities of Bangladesh police are gradually returning to dynamism.
“It is difficult to overcome the current situation without the support and assistance of the people of the country,” he said, seeking everyone’s cooperation in this regard.
Additional IG (Administration) Md. Alamgir Alam, Additional IG (Crime and Operations) Md. Akram Hossain, and Additional IG (HR) Abu Naser Mohammad Khaled, among others, were present.
