July-August Uprising: IGP apologises to martyred families
Staff Reporter :
Newly appointed inspector general of police (IGP) Baharul Alam has said the work is underway to identify police officers or members who took a partisan stand during the July-August student-public movement. This has to be done for the greater interest of the police force.
Baharul made the remarks at a press conference at the police headquarters on Thursday in the capital.
The IGP said, “After August 5, the issue of police attacks, false cases and unethical activities came up in the public opinion survey of the Police Reform Commission recently. Many false cases are still being filed. Even those who are not involved in the incidents are being accused, and there are also allegations of extortion.
“The government is also saying that no innocent person should be harassed, and many cases have been filed in the wake of the anti-discrimination movement. There are many accused. Many of them are appearing in the media as innocent. Many are doing business based on these. They are deceiving innocent people with various temptations.” the IGP added.
The IGP said, ”No one will be deceived. If you think you have no motive or involvement, then come directly to the police. We will not make wholesale arrests without reason or investigation. There is no law that requires arrests only if there is a case or name. There must be reasonable grounds that you are involved or a criminal.”
Meanwhile, IGP Baharul Alam also expressed his sorrows on behalf of the police and sought apology from every family of the people who embraced martyrdom during the student-people’s uprising.
The IGP also expressed his hope that the injured would recover soon.
He acknowledged that several police officials broke the law and went overboard during the movement to protect the interests of the fascist government. Many innocent police members were also killed.
Earlier on 21 November, Baharul Alam took charge as IGP. The home ministry issued a gazette notification regarding his appointment on 20 November. For the first time he talked to the media after taking the charge.
The government of Sheikh Hasina fell in the face of the student-people’s movement on 5 August.
Speaking about this, Baharul said the police have been facing a huge challenge in carrying out their duties since 5 August. The police members had to save their lives and properties.
He informed the journalists that he has been trying to smooth the operational activities of the police, aligning with the expectations of the people, with the help of the people and the government.
Stating that it is impossible to overcome the existing situation without the help and support of the people, he sought cordial cooperation from all.
The IGP directed all the members of the force to behave modestly with the people. He, however, said the police will conduct raids and investigation properly if any crime is committed.
Mentioning that the interim government has taken initiatives to reform the police, Baharul Alam stated, “I believe this force will truly become pro-people if the reform proposals are implemented.
