IGP
IGP Benazir holds 'productive' talks with UN Police advisor
Inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and UN Police advisor Luis Carrilho on Friday held "a productive discussion" on matters of mutual interest at the UN Headquarters in New York.
During the meeting, Carrilho acknowledged contributions of Bangladesh Police in UN peacekeeping missions and praised the professionalism and competency of the force while discharging duties in East Timor, Mali and Haiti, according to a release.
The UN Police advisor also lauded Bangladesh government’s efforts to increase the number of women in peacekeeping missions, terming it as an important step in empowering women and establishing gender equality.
“I hope that Bangladesh Police will continue assisting the UN peacekeeping missions to the highest level in the coming days,” said Carrilho.
Read: US sanctions outcome of USD 100 million project: IGP
On his part, IGP Benazir expressed the readiness of his force in meeting any requirement by the UN peacekeeping missions. He also made various requests, including deployment of special units, recruitment of officers in top posts and exchange of equipment.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina views the UN peacekeeping programme with great importance. In the future, we’ll definitely extend our helping hands whenever needed,” said IGP Benazir.
Brigadier General Md Sadekuzzaman, military adviser to Bangladesh’s permanent mission to the UN, and Nasian Wazed, additional deputy inspector general (DIG) of the overseas and UN operations branch of police headquarters, among others, were present at the meeting.
US sanctions outcome of USD 100 million project: IGP
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed has said that the US sanctions on some Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) members, including him from his time leading the paramilitary force, are the result of a USD 100 million project.
The IGP said this at a welcome reception organized in his honor on the occasion of his visit to the US on Friday.
“A vested quarter hired four international lobbyist firms and gave them USD 25 million each for the project. After trying for three years, these firms were finally able to persuade the US government to impose sanctions on Rab and me,” said the IGP.
At the event, Benazir once again clarified that he had no connection with the enforced disappearances that the US government has alleged.
“The US government said that 600 people have become victims of enforced disappearances since 2009. I joined Rab in 2015, which means I had nothing to do with it. Besides, the US government hasn’t been able to provide a list of the disappeared people. This means that the allegations aren’t true,” Benazir added.
Read: Home Minister, IGP in NY to join UNCOPS
However, Benazir also said that he doesn’t want to blame the US government for the sanctions.
“I don’t want to blame the US government as they didn’t do it on their own. The US didn’t hire the lobbying firms, rather they were influenced by some lobbyists who were hired by another party. We have very good people-to-people relations with the US, and we’re always trying to strengthen them further,” the IGP said.
The IGP then asked everyone to remain vigilant about attempts to damage the historical ties between Bangladesh and the US.
Govt resorted to 'blackmail' to send IGP to USA: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday alleged that the government has resorted to 'blackmail' to send Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed to the USA in the name of joining the UN Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS).
Speaking at a discussion, he also slammed the government for its repeated efforts to deny the incidents of enforced disappearance and rights violations in Bangladesh.
“What a drama they (govt) staged! The US imposed sanctions on RAB on charges of violating human rights…the current IGP’s name was there in the list of sanctions as he was the former RAB chief. But his name was kept in the delegation to join the UNCOPS with an aim to take him to America,” the BNP leader said.
As per its agreement with the UN, he said the USA is bound to grant visas to the persons invited by the UN. ”They (govt) took this opportunity and resorted to blackmail. Unfortunately, this incident has defamed the nation…it’s a shameful incident for Bangladesh.”
He said the government has sent Benazir to the USA in such a way since the incidents of enforced disappearance were carried out at its behest. “That’s why they resorted to such blackmailing.”
Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal arranged the discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, marking its 30th founding anniversary.
Fakhrul said there is no point in denying the incidents of enforced disappearance as it will only tarnish the country’s image. “We know everything about who are responsible for the incidents of enforced disappearance and who gave orders."
He said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in a statement on Tuesday clearly asked the government to acknowledge the incidents of enforced disappearance and human rights violations and take corrective measures accordingly.
Fakhrul urged the government to carry out an investigation to know the whereabouts of the missing people. “You’re saying the government didn’t pick them up. If so, then say where did these people go? It’s your responsibility to trace them out.”
He said the freedom fighters waged the Liberation War with a dream of establishing a democratic state, a democratic system and a safe and free society for the better future of the new generation. “After 51 years of independence, we now see our all hopes and aspiration have been dashed.“
Read: Fakhrul breaks down witnessing the cries of missing BNP leaders' children
Fakhrul said the freedom fighters did not liberate the country to see such a Bangladesh where the rulers outshined the Pakistani occupation forces in terms of repression and suppression. “Our boys are being picked up from their houses, our brothers are being killed and our children are being made disappear. We didn’t see it in that way even during the Pakistan rule."
He alleged that the current Awami League government has destroyed the soul of Bangladesh by annihilating democracy.
Referring to ministers’ comments that those who have been made disappear were accused in different cases, Fakhrul said 35 lakh people in the country have been made accused in 'false' political cases.
“Those who raised voices against the government and sought justice have been implicated in cases. Our over 600 leaders and activists, including former minister Salahuddin Ahmed and an ex-MP Ilias Ali, have been subjected to enforced disappearance,” he said.
Home Minister, IGP in NY to join UNCOPS
Bangladesh delegation led by Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan has reached New York to join the UN Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS) to be held at the UN headquarters from August 31 to September 1.
As a top troop and police-providing country, Bangladesh is looking forward to contributing to reinforcing international peace, security and development architecture.
Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations (UN) received the Home Minister in New York.
Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed will also join the Summit.
Read: IGP gets US visa to join UN police summit
UNCOPS 2022 will bring together ministers, chiefs of police, and senior representatives of regional and professional policing organisations to UN headquarters to discuss how the UN and member states can work together to enhance global security, address cross-border threats, and strengthen the performance of police who serve in UN peace operations.
This event will also feature the UN Policewoman of the Year Award.
IGP’s US Visit: Discussion underway among relevant authorities
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Tuesday said discussion is underway regarding Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed’s planned visit to the United States, noting an “understanding” between the United Nations and the US.
“There’s an understanding between the UN and the US. It’s (visit) under discussion following that particular process,” he told reporters, mentioning that a decision will be reached once the process is done.
Benazir is scheduled to attend the third United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2022) which will bring together Ministers, Chiefs of Police and senior representatives of regional and professional policing organizations to United Nations Headquarters from August 31 to September 1.
Earlier, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas held a meeting with the home minister at the Secretariat.
The home minister explained the steps taken by the government to ensure that there is no violation of laws by the law enforcement agencies.
“We informed them that punitive action was taken against some Rab officials after getting allegations,” he said referring to the steps taken following Narayanganj seven-murder case.
IGP for 'flawless, foolproof' security arrangements on August 15
Police have pulled up their socks to mitigate any threat on August 15 – the 47th Martyrdom Anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Mourning Day August 15.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed Thursday directed chiefs of all police units to make flawless and foolproof security arrangements for all events during the day.
All metropolitan police commissioners, range deputy inspector generals and district superintendents of police participated in the meeting.
The IGP asked them to ensure maximum security for the president, the prime minister, other important persons and diplomats during the National Mourning Day events and their movements.
Benazir also asked the police officials to keep vigilance on the National Mourning Day events so that no one can create chaos and no rumour can be spread through social media.
Read: IGP urges police officials to work for people’s welfare
"We have to take adequate precautions and security measures based on intelligence reports about militants and banned militant outfits as well as other terrorists," he added.
Also, the IGP directed the officials to strengthen and intensify police patrols and asked beat police officers to ensure their presence physically and vigilance during the National Morning Day events.
Additional IGPs Md Mainur Rahman Chowdhury, M Khurshid Hossain; DIG (Operations) Md Hyder Ali Khan and other police officers were present at the meeting.
IGP asks police force to save electricity
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed on Wednesday directed all the police units to be frugal in power consumption in order to properly comply with government's regulations on power saving in the current context of energy crisis.
The IGP gave this instruction in a meeting held at the police headquarters on Wednesday.
The IGP requested all the police members to follow the call of the Prime Minister, 'I turn off the switch in my room myself'.
Read: Perform duties with new impetus: IGP
He said, for the national interest and welfare of the country, we have to be economical in the use of electricity.
The top official of Bangladesh Police has given order to limit the use of electric lights and AC in all the establishments of Bangladesh Police, including police headquarters. " Ensure maximum use of sunlight during the day," he adviced.
Additional IGs of Police Headquarters and other senior police officers were present in the meeting.
Police to help cattle traders transport their cash safely: IGP
Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed has advised the cattle traders to take the help of police if needed to return home safely with the money they make from selling their animals.
He said this while talking to reporters at Kamalapur field, after inspecting security arrangements of cattle markets in different parts of the capital on Saturday.
The IGP said, "I have talked to all the traders, buyers and tenants about the discipline of the cattle market, paying tax (hasil), and overall management.”
Also read: IGP calls for vigilance against extortion of cattle traders ahead of Eid
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mohammad Shafiqul Islam and other senior police officials were present on the occasion.
DMP Additional Commissioner of Police (Admin) Mir Rezaul Alam, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime and Operations) Krishnapad Roy, Additional Commissioner of Police (DB) AKM Hafeez Akter, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Mohammad Munibur Rahman and other senior officials of DMP were present.
IGP urges cops to work for the people
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed urged police to work with more dedication for the welfare of the people.The IGP was speaking at a function at RMP Police Lines on the occasion of the 30th founding anniversary of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) on Friday afternoon.The IGP said people have high expectations from the police.As the country moves forward, the people's expectations from the police will increase, the IGP said, adding that the police officials must be ready to provide the expected services.“We have to serve the people beyond their expectations," he told the police officials.
Work hard to provide maximum service to people, IGP tells new recruits
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed on Thursday asked the newly appointed police members to work diligently to provide maximum services to the people.
The IGP was addressing the concluding parade of the 164th Trainee Recruit Constable (TRC) batch at the parade ground of Bangladesh Police Academy in Sarada of Rajshahi.
"People will come to you for any problem. Always be ready to serve them,” he said.
He asked them to be prepared mentally to perform duty in any situation. “You have to emphasize national interests, state interests and social interests above personal interests.”
Also read: Legal action against depot fire culprits after probe, says IGP
The police chief said the main duty of the force is to maintain internal peace and order in the country, control crime, suppress terrorism and militancy, prevent drug abuse and spread.
“The society is changing. That is why crime is also variable,” he said, adding that police have acquired the ability to use modern technology to deal with new crimes and tactics.
"We will not tolerate any injustice done by any policeman," the IGP said.
The police force will not take responsibility if any police member commits anything wrong, Benazir said.
“We do not want to be a 'news headline' by wrongdoing. I want to be a 'news headline' with good work. We want to be close to the people,” he said.
The IGP also urged the police members to protect the young generation from drugs, juvenile crimes as well as from getting involved in militancy.
Also read: IGP asks new DIGS to do their best for people’s welfare
As per the revised recruitment rules, 453 trainees have successfully completed the six-month basic training of the recruited TRCs.