Four police officers, including former Deputy Commissioner (Mirpur Division) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Md. Jasim Uddin Molla, were temporarily suspended on Tuesday. The other suspended officers are: Additional Deputy Commissioner (Gulshan Division) of DMP Md. Rafiqul Islam, Assistant Commissioner (Traffic-Jatrabari Zone) of DMP Tanjil Ahmed, and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) of APBN, Md. Rafiqul Islam. Writ petition seeking probe into graft allegations against 51 judges, other staff rejected The suspension orders were issued by the Police-1 section of the Public Security Division under the Home Ministry on Tuesday. Separate notifications have already been issued, signed by Senior Secretary Dr Mohammad Abdul Momen on the order of the President. According to the notification, former DC of DMP and currently attached to the Rangpur Range DIG office Md. Jasim Uddin Mollah has been charged with crimes under the International Crimes Tribunal Act and an arrest warrant has been issued. He was arrested from Rangpur on October 30. Accordingly, Md. Jasim has been suspended from government service with effect from October 30 under the provisions of Section 39(2) of the Government Services Act, 2018 (Act No. 57 of 2018). During the period of suspension, he will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per the rules. Former ADC (Gulshan Division) Md. Rafiqul Islam's notification said that he was arrested on October 18 in a case filed by Badda Police Station and sent to court. Rafiqul has been temporarily suspended from government service from October 18 as per the provisions of Section 39(2) of the Government Services Act, 2018 (Act No. 57 of 2018). During the temporary suspension, Rafiqul will be attached to the office of the Chattogram Range DIG and will receive allowance as per the rules. SC stays 7 year jail sentence of Tarique in money laundering case The notification of AC (Traffic-Jatrabari Zone)Tanjil Ahmed said that he was arrested on October 15 in a case filed with Jatrabari Police Station and sent to court. Therefore, Tanjil Ahmed has been temporarily suspended from government service from October 15 as per the provisions of Section 39(2) of the Government Services Act, 2018 (Act No. 57 of 2018), the notification said. During the period of his temporary suspension, Tanjil will be attached to the office of the Barisal Range DIG and will be entitled to get allowance as per the rules. Another notification on ASP of APBN Md. Rafiqul Islam said that he was arrested on September 13 in a case filed with Hathazari Model Police Station of Chattogram and sent to court. Rafiqul has been temporarily suspended from government service from September 13 as per the provisions of Section 39 (2) of the Government Services Act, 2018 (Act No. 57 of 2018). During the period of temporary suspension, Rafiqul Islam will be attached to the office of Mymensingh Range DIG and will be entitled to get allowance as per the rules.  

Sixty percent of those taking part in a survey have demanded investigations into allegations of human rights violations by the police through an independent organisation. Many also supported forming a permanent investigative commission led by a retired justice of the High Court to probe such allegations against the police according to the survey titled ‘The Kind of Police We Want.’ Currently, no independent body investigates such allegations. 71.5% support punishing police for excessive force: Survey The survey findings were revealed on Tuesday by the Public Relations Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Section 18 of the National Human Rights Commission Act 2009 bars the Commission from investigating allegations against the police or other law enforcement agencies. Of the remaining respondents, another group advocates empowering the Human Rights Commission through legal amendments to investigate such allegations.   The survey also uncovered that 58.9% of respondents support creating a regulatory agency or commission to ensure police accountability and shield them from undue influence. Meanwhile, 41.1% favour establishing an independent ombudsman for the police within a constitutional framework. 44.9% dissatisfied with online police clearance: Survey The Home Ministry conducted this survey with the participation of 24,442 people. Among them, 86.6% were aged between 18 and 44. However, nearly 95% of the respondents were male. Of the respondents, 36.4% were employed, 27.2% were students, 7.6% were businessmen, and 7.1% belonged to other significant categories. Most respondents were from Dhaka district, followed by Chattogram and Cumilla.

A recent survey by the Ministry of Home Affairs has revealed that 71.5% of people demand punishment for police members involved in excessive use of force to handle protest marches and suppress opposing views. The findings emerged from the analysis of the survey titled 'What Kind of Police Do We Want?' conducted by the Public Relations Department of the Ministry. Survey results on ‘The Police We Want’ published The Police Reform Commission released the survey results on Tuesday. The survey highlighted strong public sentiment regarding the need for accountability and the safeguarding of human rights. "…71.5% of respondents want punishment for police members involved in excessive use of force to handle protest marches and suppress dissent, which amounts to human rights violations and is considered a criminal act," the survey results indicated. Besides, 68.8% of respondents supported including international human rights guidelines and formalising standard procedures in policing. They believed such measures would strengthen adherence to human rights. The survey also found that 68.27% of respondents backed rewarding and penalising police members annually to encourage respect for and loyalty to human rights. The survey also addressed public opinion on the need for prior approval from the Metropolitan Police Commission to organise meetings and gatherings. Fifty-one point eight percent of respondents considered this requirement contrary to fundamental rights. In contrast, 37.4% did not fully agree with the requirement, and 10.8% were uncertain or hesitant. Speakers call for urgent police reform to create public-friendly policing The survey said that Article 37 of the Constitution recognises the fundamental right to organise meetings and express opinions. But, under Section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Law 1976, the police commissioner holds the power to postpone such gatherings for up to 30 days in the public interest. The requirement for prior approval, however, is not mentioned in this law. Regarding the democratic development of the country, 71.2% of respondents expressed the desire to amend this provision. Italy offers support for Bangladesh's police reforms, safe migration The survey also shed light on the public's views on Section 54 of the Criminal Procedure Code, with 82.5% of respondents considering it an easily misused law. Among them, 46.2% called for modernising the section. They argued that reforming this colonial-era law would uphold democratic values and implement measures that offer a scientifically beneficial quality of life. Specifically, 39.7% of respondents supported amending Section 54 based on recommendations from higher courts. The ministry's survey engaged 24,442 participants, with 86.6% aged between 18 to 44 years. Job holders made up 36.4%, students 27.2%, and business owners 7.6%, while 7.1% were in other occupations. Most respondents came from Dhaka, followed by Chattogram and Cumilla.

The Police Reform Commission has released the results of its public opinion survey titled “The Police We Want”. The findings are now accessible on the commission’s official website at www.prc.mhapsd.gov.bd, said a media release on Tuesday. The release highlights the growing demand for police reform following widespread criticism of the violent actions of some police officers during recent anti-discrimination student protests. Speakers call for urgent police reform to create public-friendly policing In response, the government established the Police Reform Commission to facilitate necessary changes within the force. As part of its ongoing activities, the commission conducted the public opinion survey to gather insights and perspectives from citizens on the kind of police force they desire. The survey aims to pave the way for a more accountable, transparent, and community-focused police force in Bangladesh, reflecting the expectations and concerns of the populace. Italy offers support for Bangladesh's police reforms, safe migration

Speakers at a discussion stressed the urgent need for structural and cultural changes within the police force, aiming to create a more public-friendly and efficient force. A discussion titled "Why Has the Police Force Not Become Public-Friendly Even After 53 Years? Police Reform: Why? Which Path?" was organised by human rights organization 'Humanity Foundation' at the SIRDAP Auditorium on Saturday. Zakia Shishir, a relative of Mir Mughdho, a martyr of July-August movement, said,"We constantly hear about the bad behavior of police. But why is it bad? We've been hearing this for 53 years. Has there been any research on it within the police? We need to focus on these areas. We want public-friendly police." Syed Abdullah, a former law student at Dhaka University and an online activist, said, "The amount of bribery one has to pay to join the police force is huge. Once they get the job, they want to recover that money. If the practice of bribery is not stopped at the time of recruitment, there will always be a tendency to extort money later." Changed scenario: Dhaka optimistic to establish good ties with Delhi Abdul Mannan, a former sub-inspector of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), said "I worked as a sub-inspector in the DMP, and the amount of hardship we go through makes us want a separate quota for ourselves. Some of us receive rations, while others don’t. This is also a form of discrimination." Former DIG (Deputy Inspector General) Mezbaun Nabi  said, "We feel that this is our last chance. Whether it's state reform or police reform, we must take action now. There is a branch within the police called RAB, but giving them weapons and duties without proper training for just six days is not enough. It's not just 53 years; I would say that a bad culture has been ingrained in the police force for 163 years. Particularly over the last 15 years, the mentality has been instilled in the police that they must protect their ruler. Therefore, reform is not enough; there needs to be a change in the police's mindset."  

The Special Branch (SB) of the Bangladesh Police has expressed regret over the harassment of New Age Editor Nurul Kabir at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. “The SB has initiated an investigation into the incident and the officer involved has already been withdrawn,” the Special Branch of Police said in a media release on Sunday. According to the statement, the incident occurred due to the "blocked list" created during the previous Sheikh Hasina government. “Thousands of people were included in this list to prevent them from travelling abroad. Following the change in government, the Special Branch has been working to remove political figures, dissidents, journalists and human rights activists from the list. As the process is being carried out manually, some names remain on the list, leading to such incidents,” reads the statement. Govt regrets editor Nurul Kabir's harassment at airport  The Special Branch assured the public that efforts are underway to quickly verify and correct the list. The police reiterated their commitment to being a friend of people and setting an example in serving the nation and its citizens. Nurul Kabir alleged that he was harassed at to the airport recently. Meanwhile, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus had ordered an investigation into the matter, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad on Saturday. "We sincerely regret the incident. The interim government will not tolerate harassment of any journalists in the country," Azad said.

Three additional inspectors general of police have been sent on forced retirement. The Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs issued separate notifications in this regard on Thursday. The police officials are Mohammad Shahbuddin Khan, additional IGP of Highway Police; Barrister Harun ur Rashid, additional IGP at Police Headquarters; and Dr Mohid Uddin, DIG of Tourist Police, (supernumerary, promoted to additional IGP).

In anticipation of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, Bangladesh Police on Thursday (April 04, 2024) issued a series of safety guidelines for citizens planning to travel back to their hometowns.  This initiative aims to ensure a safe and smooth journey for thousands of holidaymakers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The police have strongly discouraged travelers from risking their lives by riding on the roofs of buses, trucks, pickups, and other goods vehicles.  Newly elected Cumilla and Mymensingh city mayors take oath Additionally, pedestrians have been advised to utilise foot overbridges and zebra crossings wherever available and to be cautious of vehicle speeds in areas lacking these facilities. Private car users were specifically warned against joyriding and reckless driving. The police have also cautioned all travelers against accepting food from strangers, a precautionary measure to avoid potential health risks. Bus owners have been urged to employ only skilled and professional drivers and to avoid overloading buses beyond their capacity. Similarly, vehicle fitness is emphasised, with a strict recommendation against operating any vehicle deemed unfit for travel. Regarding waterway travel, the police advised against journeying by launch in inclement weather conditions and implored vessel owners to refrain from exceeding passenger limits on launches, steamers, and speedboats. Vessel operators were reminded to navigate the vessels themselves or ensure that they are piloted by certified drivers. Owners are also encouraged to monitor weather conditions via mobile phones and radio and to verify the functionality of fire pumps and fire extinguishing equipment onboard. For those traveling by train, police reiterated the dangers of roof, buffer, and engine travel and cautioned against the act of throwing stones at trains, which poses a significant safety hazard. Work for people, don’t lose public trust: PM Hasina to public reps In the event of an emergency, people were asked to call 999 or police headquarters control room (01320001299), highway police headquarters (01320182598), railway police headquarters (01320177598), river police headquarters (01320169598), Rapid Action Battalion (01777720199), district superintendent of police and officer-in-charge of police, if needed. By adhering to these guidelines, the Bangladesh Police hope to minimise accidents and ensure that Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated in a joyous and safe manner across the country.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun has said Bangladesh Police always stand beside the common people, apart from maintaining law and order. He said this while distributing blankets and warm clothes among the cold-hit people on the Banani Model School ground and High Court Mazar premises in the capital on Tuesday night. TIB doubts polls aspirants’ wealth statements disclosed in affidavits "We are distributing blankets and winter clothes in Dhaka to alleviate the winter sufferings of the helpless people. Police are also distributing warm clothes in different districts outside Dhaka. The police are blessed to stand beside the helpless," said the IGP. CEC's guarantee: No ballot stuffing on eve of polling day this time "During the COVID period, when there was a severe humanitarian disaster, the police did not hesitate to stand by the common people, risking their lives," he said, adding that "the peace-loving people of the country always cooperated and supported the police." BGB to be deployed from Dec 29: Home Minister Additional IGP (admin) Md Kamrul Ahsan, DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, and other senior police officials were present on the occasion.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Deputy Commissioner (Media) Faruk Hossain has said the newly implemented US visa policy will not have any impact on police operations. “We have more than 2 lakh personnel in Bangladesh Police. My question is: How many of them actually want to go to America? The number is very low. From that perspective, we believe this visa restriction will not have any impact on the police,” Faruk said while talking to reporters at DMP’s media centre in the capital. Also read: Trade ties with US won't be disrupted by visa policy: Salman F Rahman Deputy Commissioner Faruk said that police have not yet received any list of individuals targeted by the visa restriction. “We believe the police force operates within the boundaries of law, adhering to human rights standards. We have done so in the past, and we will continue to do so in the future,” Faruk Hossain said. “Therefore, I have faith that this visa policy will not in any way hinder our operations.” Also read: Visa restrictions: US didn’t issue any statement regarding anyone in particular, says Home Minister When asked about US concerns regarding the role of law enforcement agencies during the upcoming election, the DMP deputy commissioner said police will continue to work within the framework of law. “The role of the police during the upcoming election is to provide security at polling centers. The responsibility that will be placed on us comes from the Election Commission. We will fulfil that responsibility,” the DMP deputy commissioner said. “In this regard, we do not think that the US visa policy will pose any obstacle to our duties.” Also read: 'Nothing to lose' from visa restrictions: Shahriar Alam