Dhaka, Dec 21 (V7N) –Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has said that the police's morale remains broken after 16 years of being used for anti-people activities to serve political interests.
"I could never imagine the police could become so ruthless. Restoring police morale in such circumstances is the biggest challenge," he said. Efforts have been initiated for police reforms to prevent the force from falling under political influence again.
He advised police members to connect with the people and earn their trust.
The IGP made these remarks during a meeting with officials from all units of the Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) in the conference room of the SMP headquarters on Saturday afternoon.
Afterward, he spoke to journalists.
In response to a journalist's question about innocent people being falsely accused in cases across the country, the IGP said: "Under changed circumstances, dishonest individuals have taken advantage in filing cases. Those who have been falsely accused will not be arrested."
He reassured the public, saying: "Do not be afraid; rest assured, we will not arrest you."
He also advised people to bring any instances of wrongful arrests of innocent individuals to his attention.
Furthermore, he urged everyone not to pay extortionists.
The IGP noted that out of 6,000 looted firearms nationwide, 1,500 are yet to be recovered.
When asked about the murder case of journalist ATM Turab in Sylhet during the anti-discrimination student movement, the IGP acknowledged: "He was killed while performing his professional duties. Killing him by gunfire is a grave crime. There is no option but to apologize for this."
He instructed the Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner to take swift action regarding the Turab murder case.
The IGP sought the cooperation of journalists and all stakeholders to restore the police to normalcy.
END/MSS/AJ
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