Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam on Saturday apologised for the police activities for protecting political party interest in the past.
Stating that the police were currently in a state of disarray due to fear and panic, he said that senior police officers fled after giving orders to their juniors and leaving them unsecured during the student-led mass uprising in July-August.
鈥楾he biggest challenge now is to revitalise the police force,鈥� he said, adding聽 that they were ashamed that the police committed major crimes in the past by working to protect the interest of political party.
The IGP made the comments while responding to reporters鈥� queries after a views-exchange meeting held on Saturday afternoon with the officers working in all units of Sylhet division at the conference room of Sylhet Metropolitan Police headquarters.
He also said that the Police Reform Commission had already been formed to restore people鈥檚 trust in the police.
鈥榃e have recommended some specific issues to the commission. Especially, most of the police members have to work overtime. But they do not get any allowance for this. We are working on this issue,鈥� he said.
鈥楢part from this, we are trying to solve their problems to bring back their enthusiasm for work,鈥� he added.
Regretting the death of ATM Turab, a photo-journalist of a regional daily newspaper, in police firing during the anti-discrimination student movement, he said that the Sylhet Metropolitan Police commissioner would work seriously in the Turab murder case.
鈥楯ournalist Turab died in our firing while he was performing professional duties. He cannot be brought back. We have no other option but to apologise,鈥� the IGP said.
Responding to another query, he said that taking advantage of the changed environment after the July uprising, unscrupulous people filed cases against some innocent people.
鈥業nnocent people who have been accused in the cases will not be arrested. The police will investigate and assure them of facing no harassment,鈥� he said.
Among others, Rapid Action Battalion director general (additional IGP) AKM Shahidur Rahman, Sylhet Range of Police deputy inspector general Md Mushfequr Rahman and Sylhet Metropolitan Police commissioner Md Rezaul Karim, among others, attended the views-exchange programme.