State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal yesterday claimed that those subjected to “forced disappearance” had actually been hiding as they were “listed criminals” and hunted by police.
“The BNP claims that in the last three months 56 of their leaders and activists became victims to forced disappearance. But the police have been hunting them for being listed criminals.
“Through analysing video footages, they have been identified as responsible for carrying out subversive activities before the national election,” he said while addressing a meeting with senior police officials at the Rajarbagh Police Lines.
Kamal also asked the police to be more tolerable and lawful. He spoke in favour of reformation in the police department.
At the meeting, several senior officials cited various problems in the force and demanded additional equipment and logistics supports. Dhaka Range Deputy Inspector General of Police SM Mahfuzul Huq Nuruzzaman demanded Armed Police Carriers (APC) for every district, helicopters, ambulance, and prison van, and risk allowance for highway police.
Government to investigate Jessore ‘crossfire’ death
The home ministry will further investigate the death of 41-year-old Rajab Ali alias Kala Rajab in “crossfire” in Jessore, and take action if the law enforcement agency, is found guilty.
The National Human Rights Commission has investigated the incident and found that no gunfight had actually taken place. It submitted the report to the home ministry on Monday.
“I have received the report and I will investigate the incident further. If the law enforcers are found guilty, they will be brought to the book too since none is above the law,” Kamal told the Dhaka Tribune over phone yesterday.
“I will ask the inspector general of police to investigate the incident through the superintendent of police concerned.”
A three-member fact-finding committee led by an NHRC director was formed to investigate the death of Rajab in “gunfight” between his accomplices and the police early on February 16.