A number of police superintendents from different districts have alleged that they were facing interference from the ruling party leaders while investigating different criminal cases.
Addressing a quarterly crime conference at the Police Headquarters in Dhaka yesterday, the senior police officials said that the Awami League leaders tried to create barriers to investigations whenever the police moved against criminals having affiliation with those leaders.
Responding to these allegations, Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Haque directed the SPs to ignore any attempts by the ruling party men to hinder the ongoing investigations, and ordered legal action against all criminals irrespective of their political allegiance.
Seeking anonymity, several officials present at the conference told the Dhaka Tribune that complaints raised at the event included allegations of how a Savar ruling party leader had been using his influence to hinder police action against his relatives, involved in criminal activities.
Other claims were against a Joypurhat leader who interfered with police action against drugs-related issues, and a Jhenidah leader who used his powers to delay a murder case.
Top police officials told the conference that the law enforcers needed to be more meticulous in their investigation to prevent criminals from securing bail using loopholes left by the probes. Investigations should incorporate the use of information technology to streng.then the cases against the culprits, they said.
According to a press statement issued by the Police Headquarters, Additional Deputy Inspector General of Police Jahirul Islam presented a quarterly crime data report at yesterday’s conference. The police chief chaired the event and Chief Justice SK Sinha was present as the chief guest.
The chief justice said that the police and the judges were both connected in trial procedures and it was impossible to think about a fair trial when either one was absent in the process.
In his speech, IGP Shahidul urged the law enforcers to uphold the honour of the force by ensuring security of the citizens and taking action against the criminals. He also issued directives to take all necessary measures for ensuring the security of women, children and bloggers.
Telling police officials to show zero-tolerance against drug smugglers and human traffickers, Shahidul further urged all to remain alert about the country’s militancy situation.
The police chief suggested that police patrolling should be increased on highways to prevent road accidents, while calling on different agencies concerned to coordinate among themselves to reduce road fatalities.
