Police
Keep serving the people to sustain public trust: PM Hasina urges police
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday asked the police personnel to continue their service towards the people to sustain the public trust they have earned.
“…serve the people keeping the humanitarian aspects in mind so that the trust and confidence among the mass people regarding the police force remain intact,” she said.
The prime minister said this while inaugurating the Police Week-2023 at the capital's Rajarbagh Police Lines.
She said that police are now serving the people as the force of the people while in the past they used to live in fear of police.
“Now they know that police serve them and stand beside them and gaining trust of people is very much important for any force. You (police force) are doing that,” she said.
Hasina said her government wanted to develop the country’s police force to the standard of the developed countries.
“In keeping compatibility with the developed countries we want to build our police force a skilled and smart police force and drive the country towards development,” she told the programme..
She urged all to ensure that no one can put any obstacle in the country’s march towards development and prosperity.
She recalled that the opposition BNP-Jamaat alliance unleashed arson attacks on the people in 2013, 2014 and 2015. She hoped that these kinds of heinous acts will not be repeated in the country.
“I thank all law enforcing agencies including the police force for their courageous role to stop those attacks,” she said.
Read more: Govt committed to expanding techno-based police services: PM
“That Bangladesh will be a Smart Bangladesh in knowledge, science and technology. The digital devices will be used in everything such as our business, trade, education, health and the government,’’ she said.
She also mentioned that Bangladesh Police would be built in a smarter way by giving them education on science and technology and proper training.
PM Hasina alerted the police about conspiracies being hatched against Bangladesh.
“Conspiracies are being hatched when Bangladesh is advancing towards prosperity,” she said.
She said that police had successfully broken the base of the militant organisations following the Holey Artisan which has brightened the country’s image globally.
“Police are also successfully checking the smuggling and human trafficking,” she said.
She also highly praised the police, particularly the women members of the force, as they have achieved global fame for their professional and sincere work in the UN peace missions.
She said Bangladesh must keep the pace of development despite the world is going through an economic recession.
Hasina reiterated her call to grow more food, bringing every inch of land under cultivation to keep Bangladesh safe from global recession and food crisis.
“You all have to grow something at your working places as Bangladesh never has to face global economic recession and food crisis,” she said.
Read more: Pay production cost to get smooth supply of gas, electricity: PM Hasina tells industries
Briefly describing her government's measures taken for ensuring the overall development of the Bangladesh Police, she said that they increased the allocation for police in the budget to Tk 800 crore from Tk 400 crore, after assuming office for the first time in 1996.
She said the government has ensured ration for all the police personnel including the retired ones and introduced risk allowances alongside promoting a female police personnel as the superintendent of police (SP) in 1998.
The Prime Minister said they have built a Police Welfare Trust by giving Tk 5 crore as seed money and established the Police Staff College in 2000.
She said they have built 25 police stations, 86 investigation centres, 58 highway police outposts, 150 police camps alongside appointing 803 sub inspectors, 507 sergeants, 14,680 constables during her first tenure 1996-2001 period.
Read More: Proposal sent for formation of specialised police unit for metro rail: DMP Commissioner
After assuming power for three consecutive terms since 2009, she said her government has taken various measures to turn Bangladesh into a self-dependent state and Bangladesh Police as modern, people friendly.
She said they have increased the posts for grade-1 and 2 to solve the problem over promotion.
Hasina said that the government has created Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), Tourist Police, River Police, Special Security and Protection Battalion, Industrial Police, Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) and Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit (CTTC) while two battalions of the armed police and one battalion of the RAB in Rohingya camps to ensure their security.
She said that DNA Lab, Automated Finger Print Identification System (AFIS) and modern forensic lab have been established in police, adding that such labs would be built in every division in future.
Mentioning that cyber crimes have appeared as a big problem across the globe, she said a complete cyber police unite will be formed soon.
The Prime Minister said they have taken measures to develop the Central Police Hospital and build divisional hospitals for police in each division, adding that a step has already taken to build a divisional hospital in Dhaka division.
Govt committed to expanding techno-based police services: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (January 02, 2023) asked the police of Bangladesh to make it the “people’s police” by working tirelessly with integrity and humanity.
“I hope that every member of the Bangladesh Police will carry out their duties with the spirit and patriotism of the great Liberation War. I believe that you will work tirelessly to make Bangladesh Police as the 'people's police' as expected by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib by carrying out duties with honesty, devotion and humanity,” she said.
The PM said this in a message issued on the occasion of Police Week 2023, which is set to kick off on Tuesday (January 03, 2023).
Talking about the successes of Bangladesh Police, she said police have achieved successes in the campaign against militancy and terrorism. “They continue to play an effective role in ensuring safe roads and ensuring the protection of state assets, including eradication of drugs, cybercrime, rumours, money laundering and human trafficking,” she added.
Read: ‘Police now a symbol of dependability and confidence’
Hasina said Bangladesh has been able to maintain communal harmony thanks to the support of police, administration and other forces. “Our policemen have earned great respect and dignity in the United Nations peacekeeping missions by going beyond the country’s border,” she said.
She recalled the contribution of the police in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, saying that the policemen risked their lives to fight the coronavirus and have played an unprecedented role in the services towards the people.
Focusing on her government’s steps taken during 1996-2001 and 2009-till now for the wellbeing of the law enforcement agency, the PM said the Awami League government has done everything necessary for the welfare of the police.
“In Digital Bangladesh, we are committed to expanding technology-based policing services,” she said.
Read: Police kept the bombs in BNP office: Fakhrul
She said the AL government has recruited manpower, creating the necessary number of new posts in the police organogram in the last 14 years since the formation of the government in 2009.
Besides, her government also formed a good number of ranges including Industrial Police, Tourist Police, Naval Police, Police Bureau of Investigation and Anti-Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit, and Metropolitan Unit, Cyber Police Centre, Battalion, In-Service Training Centre, Police Station, Investigation Centre, Police Outpost and the 999 units to render the national emergency service, she added.
The Prime Minister said they have reintroduced the rank badge of the IGP and launched service desks for women, children, elderly and disabled people. “We’re providing the police services to the doorsteps of the people through beat policing,” she added.
On the occasion of the Police Week, she extended her sincere greetings and congratulation to all the members of Bangladesh Police.
Hasina wished all the programmes of 'Police Week 2023' a success.
Read More: Keep serving the people to sustain public trust: PM Hasina urges police
Police-BNP clash in Panchagarh: 81 named, 2000 unnamed sued
Police filed five cases against 81 named and around 2,000 unnamed people over a clash with BNP activists in Panchagarh on Saturday that left one BNP activist dead and at least 50 including policemen injured.
The cases were filed by five sub-inspectors of Panchagarh sadar police station on Sunday, said SM Sirajul Huda, superintendent of Panchagarh police.
Police detained eight BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami activists on Saturday night during a drive over the incident, he said.
The cases were filed on allegation of obstructing government activities, beating government officials, creating anarchy and under the Explosive Substances Act, said Abdul Latif Mia, officer-in-charge of Panchagarh sadar police station.
Read more: Govt selectively killing opposition leaders, activists: BNP
Meanwhile the body of deceased Moyna Dighi Union BNP convener Abdur Rashid Arefin, 50, has been handed over to his family after an autopsy on Sunday, he said.
District BNP member secretary Farhad Hossain Azad said, “Our brother has died. We will decide our next step after discussing with family and the party following Arefin’s burial.”
On Saturday noon, as part of BNP’s movement for pressing home the 10-point demand it unveiled at its Dhaka divisional rally on December 10, the party's Panchagarh-based leaders and activists gathered at the local party office.
Before they could bring out any procession though, the law enforcers released tear shells and fired rubber bullets to disperse the gathering, according to witnesses. Those who protested the police's actions were baton-charged.
Read more: Another BNP activist killed during clash with police
The BNP activists eventually dispersed, and then a series of chase-counter chase ensued, that continued for nearly 90 minutes. The BNP activists at this stage resorted to throwing brick chips at police.
It was only after additional backup forces arrived in the evening, that the police were able to finally take control of the situation well after 6pm.
Panchagarh SP SM Sirajul Huda, however, denied the allegation and claimed Arefin died of a heart attack..
He also claimed there were no signs of injury on Arefin’s body.
Another BNP activist killed during clash with police
A local BNP leader who was beaten up by police died from his injuries and at least 50 others from both sides were injured during a clash between cops and opposition activists in Panchagarh on Saturday.
The deceased was identified as Abdur Rashid Arefin, 50, from Boda upazila. He was serving as the joint convener of Moyna Dighi Union BNP.
Resident Medical Officer at Panchagarh Modern Sadar Hospital, Towfiq Ahmed, said an injured man named Arefin was brought to the hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. The precise cause of death can be confirmed after an autopsy, he said.
As part of BNP’s movement for pressing home the 10-point demand it unveiled at its Dhaka divisional rally on December 10, the party's Panchagarh-based leaders and activists gathered at the local party office on Saturday around noon, said witnesses.
Read more: Nayapaltan clash: HC orders giving division in jail to 5 BNP leaders
Before they could bring out any procession though, the law enforcers released tear shells and fired rubber bullets to disperse the gathering, according to witnesses. Those who protested the police's actions were baton-charged.
The BNP activists eventually dispersed, and then a series of chase-counterchase ensued, that continued for nearly 90 minutes. The BNP activists at this stage resorted to throwing brick chips at police.
Police scale up security ahead of AL council Saturday, dismiss security threat
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Khandker Golam Faruq Friday said they have scaled up security ahead of the 22nd national council of the Awami League (AL) in the Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital Saturday.
He, however, dismissed any security threat surrounding the council which is likely to see the participation of "more than one lakh leaders and activists" of the ruling party.
The DMP commissioner was speaking with the media after visiting the Suhrawardy Udyan Friday.
Read more: 22nd Nat'l Council: AL to focus on “smart” leadership aligned with Smart Bangladesh goal
The security arrangements in the area were made keeping Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in mind, he said.
"The prime minister survived many attempts on her life in the past. So, we have beefed up security and vigilance this time," Golam Faruq added.
About the escape of two convicted militants from a Dhaka court on November 20, he said: "They will be arrested soon. We have been able to identify their associates already. We will arrest the rest of them soon."
"There is no terrorist threat (in the country now)," the DMP commissioner added.
Fiji calls in military after close election is disputed
Fijian police on Thursday said they were calling in the military to help maintain security following a close election last week that is now being disputed.
It was an alarming development in a Pacific nation where democracy remains fragile and there have been four military coups in the past 35 years. The two main contenders for prime minister this year were former coup leaders themselves.
Police Commissioner Brig. Gen. Sitiveni Qiliho said in a statement that after police and military leaders met with Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama they collectively decided to call in army and navy personnel to assist.
The commissioner said there had been threats made against minority groups who were “now living in fear following recent political developments.”
Reporters in the capital, Suva, said there were no immediate signs of any military presence on city streets.
The military move came after Bainimarama’s Fiji First party refused to concede the election, despite rival Sitiveni Rabuka’s party and two other parties announcing they had the numbers to form a majority coalition and would serve as the next government.
Fiji First Gen. Sec. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum told media Wednesday that under the nation’s constitution, Bainimarama would remain prime minister until lawmakers returned to Parliament within two weeks to vote on the next leader.
Read more: Vote counting finishes in Fiji election with no clear winner
Sayed-Khaiyum questioned the validity of the internal voting which had led to one of the parties joining Rabuka’s coalition. And he lashed out at Rabuka, accusing him of sowing division in Fiji.
“The entire rationale of this man has been to divide Fiji to gain political supremacy,” Sayed-Khaiyum said. “And we can see that simmering through again. In fact it’s not simmering, it’s boiling.”
A day earlier, Rabuka and two other party leaders announced they were forming a coalition with a total of 29 seats against Fiji First’s 26 and would form the next government.
“A government we hope that will bring the change that people had been calling out for over the last few years,” Rabuka said at a news conference. “It’s going to be an onerous task. It will not be easy, and it was never easy to try and dislodge an incumbent government. We have done that, collectively.”
Rabuka’s announcement prompted New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta to send her congratulations on Twitter, saying New Zealand “looks forward to working together to continue strengthening our warm relationship.”
But New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern took a more cautious approach, saying she was waiting until the dust settled.
Bainimarama has been in power for 16 years. He led a 2006 military coup and later refashioned himself as a democratic leader by introducing a new constitution and winning elections in 2014 and 2018.
Rabuka, meanwhile, led Fiji’s first military takeover in 1987 and later served seven years as an elected prime minister in the 1990s.
Bainimarama and Rabuka were initially deadlocked after the election. Rabuka’s People’s Alliance Party won 21 seats and the affiliated National Federation Party won five seats, while Bainimarama’s Fiji First party secured 26 seats.
That left the Social Democratic Liberal Party, which won three seats, holding the balance of power. The party decided Tuesday in a close 16-14 internal vote to go with Rabuka — a vote that Fiji First is now questioning.
42 held in city in anti-narcotics drive
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested 42 people during its ongoing anti-narcotics drive in the capital in 24 hours till 6am on Thursday.
Detective Branch (DB) of police and different police stations under the DMP carried out separate drives starting from 6am on Wednesday.
Read more: 44 arrested in DMP anti-drugs drive
During the drives, police recovered 798 Yaba pills 52 small packets containing 29 grams of heroin, 7.5 kg of hemp, 46 bottles of Phensidyl syrup and liquor from their possession, said a press release of DMP media centre.
A total of 35 cases were filed with police stations concerned under the Narcotics Control Act, it said.
Read more: DMP arrests 72 in anti-narcotics drive in city
Police conducted search operation at BNP’s Nayapaltan office for the sake of investigation
Police conducted a search operation at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office for the sake of investigation, Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud said today.
“It is not unusual for police to search the BNP office, as they have found bombs there, and the law enforcement agencies must check whether there were grenades or other deadly weapons,” he said.
The information minister came up with the remarks while unveiling a book titled “Politics of Bangabandhu’s Three Generations” at the Secretariat.
Read more: Diplomats don’t have the power to put anyone in power: Information Minister
Talking about the BNP’s allegation of police “ransacking” its central office, Hasan said, “Law enforcement agencies carried out the search operation for the sake of investigation.”
Criticising BNP for “exaggerating the damages” during the search operation, the minister said BNP “flopped” on December 10. “They boasted of gathering 10 lakh people, but they finished their rally with only 50,000 people.”
Read more: BNP MPs resigned to impede democracy: Hasan Mahmud
Bolsonaro supporters clash with police in Brazil's capital
Supporters of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro clashed with police Monday, setting fire to several vehicles and allegedly attempting to invade the federal police’s headquarters in capital city Brasilia.
Images of chaos as a small number of protesters, many wearing the yellow and green of Brazil's flag that has come to symbolize Bolsonarismo, roamed the city, circulated on local television channels and social media.
Brasilia's public security secretariat said in a statement that clashes broke out after police carried out an arrest warrant. Earlier that day, Supreme Court justice Alexandre de Moraes had ordered the temporary arrest of José Acácio Serere Xavante, suspected of participating in anti-democratic protests.
Read more: Brazilian protests intensify; Bolsonaro stays silent
Since Bolsonaro lost re-election to da Silva on Oct. 30, many of his supporters have gathered outside military barracks across the country refusing to concede defeat and asking for the armed forces to intervene. Earlier Monday, the nation's electoral authority awarded da Silva and his vice president an official certification, sealing their victory.
Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly claimed that the nation's electronic voting system is prone to fraud and has not conceded defeat, told supporters Friday that his political future was in their hands.
“The depredation and attempted invasion of the Federal Police building in Brasilia is unacceptable,” said Flavio Dino, future Justice and Public Security Minister in the upcoming administration of President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Read more: Brazil election body rejects Bolsonaro's push to void votes
The leader of the opposition in the Senate, Randolfe Rodrigues, said some protestors, whom he called “terrorists,” had concentrated around the hotel where da Silva is staying.
Police in full gear were rushed to the Federal Police’s headquarters as back up, as officers had to use stun grenades and rubber bullets, local media reported. Police also blocked several avenues and streets across Brasilia
Protesters elsewhere set at least one bus on fire and were seen gathering metal barriers.
2 motorbikes burnt in Dhaka’s Mugda as AL, BNP activists chase, counter-chase each other
Two motorcycles were burnt as Awami League and BNP activists chased and counter-chased each other in Dhaka’s Mugda area, centering BNP’s rally at Golapbagh field today.
The incident took place around afternoon near Mugda General Hospital.
Locals and police confirmed two motorcycles, reportedly owned by Jubo Dal activists, were torched by ruling party activists during the altercation.
Defying all obstacles, BNP leaders and activists thronged the Golapbagh rally venue this morning as the much-anticipated divisional rally began around 11 am.
Read more: BNP announces simultaneous, anti-govt movement with 10 point-demand from Dhaka rally
Alongside, law enforcement agencies, activists of Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League were also seen taking position on city streets to prevent what they said “any sabotage activities” by BNP men.
BNP supporters were seen heading towards the rally venue on foot as public transport remained off the streets from this morning.