Police officers absent from duty have been warned by Adviser for Home Affairs Brigadier (retd) AKM Sakhawat Hossain.

Addressing the police personnel, Sakhawat Hossain said, “If you do not return by Thursday, I will assume you are not interested in your jobs. I have discussed this matter with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director General of RAB, and the Metropolitan Police Commissioner.”

On his first day at work on Sunday, he made the remarks to journalists at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

He said, “By Thursday, everyone should return to their respective positions and be on duty. Whatever has happened, no one should unnecessarily lay hands on anyone. We will handle whatever needs to be done through the proper process. The judiciary will judge. Those found guilty, whether severely or mildly, will be punished. No one should be blamed indiscriminately.”

He also urged the public not to physically assault police officers.

He said, “I want to tell the public that you should not raise your hands against the police. You can see now that you yourselves are suffering.”

The Home Affairs Adviser added, “A little while ago, I saw that a group of Ansar members blocked the road. They also have some demands. Everyone has demands, I have demands too. My demand is that you return to your duties. I promise you that as the Home Affairs Adviser, it is my responsibility to come to you, listen to your concerns, and do whatever is immediately possible within my power. If there are issues that involve other ministries, we will address them through discussion. Please clear the road and leave the streets.”

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He also said, “If you want to engage in politics in this country, you must do so within the Political Party Act, whether you like it or not. As long as I am here, I will enforce this. You will not be allowed to act tyrannically.”

The Adviser continued, “I am sending a message to all political parties. Look at the situation of a particular political party—such a large, historic party whose name is intertwined with independence—today, its members are on the run.”

“If you think you can come and seize control—take over markets, engage in extortion—do it for a few days. But I have told the Army Chief, I have requested him, to break your legs. I don’t care, you can go to hell,” he said.

Sakhawat Hossain further said, “I have heard that extortion is taking place in Karwan Bazar. Just a while ago, I heard there was a fight over taking control of a bank… I am neither a civilian nor a politician; my background is in the military. I will do what I say. Whether I stay here for one day or three days.”

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Addressing the public, the Adviser said, “Catch those who engage in extortion. Whatever needs to be done, we will do it. Discipline must be restored. The country cannot continue like this.”