BNP's Senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday alleged that there were "serious irregularities" in the recruitment of 803 sub-inspectors (SIs) and 61 assistant superintendents of police (ASPs) during the Awami League regime. Speaking at a BNP’s programme on dengue prevention in the city’s Uttara area, he urged the interim government to take immediate action in this regard, saying that among the 803 SIs, 200 are from Gopalganj, all of whom were appointed during Sheikh Hasina's regime. Khaleda’s scheduled hospital visit for check-up postponed “Beneath the façade of the current neutral government, there are many administrative and police officials who are associates of authoritarianism and fascism. In a few days, the police will hold the 'passing out' ceremony for 803 sub-inspectors, along with 61 or 63 ASPs, all appointed during Sheikh Hasina's tenure,” Rizvi said. He said these Sis and SPs were not appointed through fair competition and impartial verification. “How could 200 people from just one district, Gopalganj, become Sub-Inspectors? Who are the others? They are all from the Chhatra League and Jubo League.” The BNP leader urged the Home Minister of the interim government to look into the matter and reassess the appointments of the police officers. “These sub-inspectors and ASPs will spread the toxic venom of fascism throughout Bangladesh." BNP’s Robi suspended from party position He said the students who protested for the quota movement sacrificed their lives, standing before Sheikh Hasina's RAB with open shirt buttons, inviting bullets. “One died while another stood by, saying 'shoot me’. This self-sacrifice sends a powerful message for the dawn of true democracy. People won’t accept those who betray the sacrifice of that blood.” The BNP leader said the interim government should be aware that the Awami League has created a police administration designed to suppress dissent and expand fascism. "RAB is a prime example of this. Sheikh Hasina has turned Bangladesh into a mass grave, and the people of this country do not want to enter that grave." He also voiced deep concern over the loss of more than 200 lives to dengue and called upon the government to take all-out measures to contain the outbreak of this Aedes mosquito-borne disease and protect people’s lives. The BNP leader also urged the government to increase the availability of essential medicines and the number of hospital beds to prevent the loss of lives. Highlighting the need to arrest those involved with the market syndicate, Rizvi said, “We must walk the path of democracy and provide relief to the people. I ask the interim government: why haven’t you arrested those still operating the market syndicate? Why are the prices of onions, green chilies, soybean oil, and everything else increasing? Arrest those involved with the syndicate and give people relief.” BNP urges urgent action to contain dengue outbreak  

Bangladesh police force will hire only qualified people with merit and good physique as constables under a new recruitment policy, the country’s police chief said on Tuesday. The new policy has been formulated after reviewing the policies in the neighbouring countries and also of many developed nations, said Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed wrapping up a three-day crime review meeting at the Hall of Integrity at the Police Headquarters here. Police constables are being appointed under the new policy, he said adding sub-inspectors and sergeants will soon be recruited under its provision, the IGP said. He said that "Under the clear direction of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, we are committed to building a corruption-free police force for the welfare of the country and the people." READ: IGP urges the rich to help the Covid-hit poor people Sounding a warning against use of drugs Benazir said that strict action will be taken against any police member if found involved in drug consumption, drug traders or drug trading. "As a member of the police, nothing can be done that harms the police force, harms the country, harms the people of the country," he said. He asked the senior police officials not to compromise on maintaining the discipline of the forces. "If any police member breaks the discipline, exemplary strict action has to be taken against him/her. We are also trying our best to ensure their (police members) welfare. He called for a change in the police behaviour with ordinary people and asked police members to refrain from inhumane treatment of people. Mentioning the main responsibility of the police to investigate the case, the IGP said that the quality of case investigation has to be further enhanced. READ: Strictly maintain health rules during shopping: IGP He directed the field level officials to be very attentive to the investigation and increase supervision. The IGP asked the police officers to bring pride in their service. "For this we have to bring about mentality and psychological change. We have to have love for the job and then we will be able to move forward," he said.