Some Journalists Brand Police ‘Ineffective’ When Denied a Share of Drug Money: IGP

IGP Mr. Ali Hossain Fakir criticised a section of journalists. He accused them of taking money from the drug trade and criminal activities. He said many people stay silent even when drugs and other crimes go on. When they do not get money from these sources, he said, they write, “Police have become ineffective in Bangladesh.”

The IGP said this yesterday as chief guest at the launch of “Community Islamic,” the Islamic banking service of Community Bank Bangladesh PLC. The event took place at Shahjahan Imam Tower in Chawkbazar, Dhaka. He said some of you journalists do not mind drugs and other crimes in society. He said they take money from there in secret. He said that when these journalists stop getting money, they write that police have become ineffective.

The IGP also spoke about the spread of drugs. He alleged that drugs spread across neighbourhoods during the last government. He said leaders of the then ruling party took regular payments from drugs. He said some members of the police were also involved. He said the police are first cleaning their own house.

In the past two months, police have sent 27 police officers to jail. He said the police work on a zero tolerance policy to stop drugs in neighbourhoods. On law and order, the IGP said people call the police “fascist” when they show too much strictness. He said people call them “weak” when they stay silent. He said the police will even carry out crossfire if the government gives permission and it becomes necessary.

He said peace cannot return to society unless the police get more power and a chance to enforce the law. He asked everyone to ignore rumours and false propaganda. He also asked for everyone’s help so the police can do their duty under the constitution and the law. Mr. Ali Hossain Fakir also answered criticism about the skill and ability of the police. He said people cannot make the police ineffective and then put all the blame on them.

He said the police must work with people from many classes and professions. So the police need educated and capable staff. He spoke about the police after the July uprising. He said police members were afraid to do duty on the streets at that time. He said the police have worked day and night to move past that state. He said their aim is to give people a calm and peaceful environment.

Speaking as Chairman of Community Bank Bangladesh PLC, the IGP stressed ethics, openness and accountability in the banking sector. He said interest and bribery are forbidden in Islam. He said real Islamic banking must have partnership, ethics and openness. He also said Bangladesh Bank must strengthen its supervision and watch to stop irregularities in banking. Directors, the Managing Director and senior officers of Community Bank attended the event.