Extortion allegation against police
Departmental
action ought to be taken against all corrupt police officials, not just the two OCs and 10 cops who are sued on extortion allegations
In recent times, the number of police crimes seems to be on the rise. Three extortion cases were reportedly filed the day before yesterday against 12 policemen, including two officers-in-charge (OCs), for their alleged involvement in incidents of extortion in their respective areas of duty. The accused officials are currently facing the cases just ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the greatest festival of the Muslims, when extortion incidents shoot up alarmingly much to the concern of the common people. Rather bafflingly, its right at this time the police was supposed to act as a protector and not the predator.
In our society, the co-relation between police and corruption is more than just intimate, and the authority given to the police has indisputably opened all rooms for indulging in various types of corruption in Bangladesh long time ago. Concerning the frequency of higher degree of corruption reeling our police force, a number of legal experts are of the opinion that the hierarchy-based police force is breaking down fast, as lower-level police personnel are getting involved in extortion by violating orders issued by their superiors. This is an ominous sign of a collapsing chain-of-command.
Data of the police headquarters also shows that the number of complaints against officials ranging from superintendents to constables have been on the rise at alarming numbers, despite repeated warnings issued by the home state minister, police chief and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner against such incidents. The Police Headquarters Security Cell data reveals that in 2015 alone some 6,000 complaints against police officials were lodged. Of those, complaints were filed against 5,566 police officers 28 were arrested red handed while committing crimes across the country. Nevertheless, it is a very repentant truth that officials of an elite disciplinary force are getting involved in crimes in such rampant manner.
Strict supervision and monitoring, tough punishment, and the will to put an end to the culture of impunity can only stop the involvement of the police force in extortion and serious crimes. Furthermore, we expect departmental action to be taken against all corrupt police officials, not just the two OCs and 10 cops who are sued on extortion allegations. The police department should display a serious zero tolerance towards all police crimes. This is very fundamental. A civilised society based on rule of law cannot be built unless we have an honest police force. It is expected the people at the top echelon of police and their authority, the home ministry, should realise this.
