Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Baharul Alam on Monday said the police force is still awaiting the implementation of the recommendations made by the Police Reform Commission.
"We were very hopeful about the Police Reform Commission. We wished for the police administration to be governed by an independent commission rather than being directly under the executive. We also submitted our opinions on several matters to the commission," he said while addressing a press briefing on Police Week at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, were, among others, present at the briefing.
The police chief said the Home Ministry has been assigned the responsibility of implementing the commission’s proposals. "Many say if reforms do not take place during this government's tenure, they may never happen. We are still waiting," he said.
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Responding to a question about false cases allegedly being used for extortion and intimidation, the IGP explained that, due to legal obligations, the police are required to register a written complaint as a case without initially verifying its veracity.
"Since 5 August last year, it has been observed that, in many cases, additional names are included beyond the actual perpetrators. The Home Ministry, the Police Headquarters, as well as various police units, have already instructed that no innocent person should be harassed or arrested," he added.
Speaking about the investigations into incidents during the July-August student-people uprising last year, the IGP informed that each case is under investigation.
"There are about 1,500 cases, including around 600 murder cases. Once investigations are complete, we will be able to determine who ordered the shootings, who fired, and how many were killed," he said.
Regarding measures for victims of false cases, he mentioned that action could be taken against those filing false cases, but only upon conclusion of investigations.
When asked about this year’s recipients of police awards, the IGP revealed that 62 police personnel would be recognised for their bravery and dedicated service.
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About militancy, he said, "No one can give absolute assurance that there are no militants. Several agencies, alongside the police, are actively working to contain militancy. Many individuals have already served prison sentences for militancy-related crimes. At present, we are alert and capable of handling any situation."