Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday came down hard on those rights bodies that remained silent over the killing of Awami League MP from Gaibandha-1 Manjurul Islam Liton, reports UNB. “These days, we often see hue and cry when even a small incident happens. But when an MP was killed, neither a human rights organisation nor any other person uttered any single word. Bangladesh is a ‘strange' country!” she wondered. The Prime Minister was addressing the senior officials of Bangladesh Police at a function at the Prime Minister’s Office on the occasion of the Police Week 2017.
Sheikh Hasina also said many did not raise their voice when culprits killed people of different faiths in a planned way, carried out arson attacks on mosques and set to the holy Quran on fire. Describing this as part of conspiracies, she asked the senior police officials to remain alert in this regard. Hasina also directed them to enhance their association and engagement with the common people in their respective areas as well as gain their trust to face any situation like terrorism and militancy. “People are our main strength as they can provide information and you’ll have to keep in touch with them and gain their trust.”
She also wondered why police personnel had been withdrawn from MP Liton’s house and his licensed arms seized just before the killing. “His life was put at risk in a planned way,” Hasina said.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the killing of an elected public representative like Liton will never be tolerated.
She also asked them to massively expand community policing activities, saying it will help maintain the law and order, and directed them to take strong steps against drug addiction which has taken the young generation on the verge of destruction.
Mentioning that a deep-rooted conspiracy had been there in the past with Bangladesh and it has not been over yet, she extended her thanks to the policemen for facing those plots efficiently and playing an important role in curbing terrorism and militancy. “I hope your efforts will continue in the coming days.”
The Prime Minister also assured the high police officials of considering their various demands, including raising the Grade-1 and 2 posts, alongside increasing vehicles and other infrastructural development.
She also expressed her comprehension that the BNP-Jamaat clique may resort to atrocities, arson attacks and vandalism as they did in the past, directing the police personnel to raise awareness among people against such acts after sitting with them.
Referring to the changing pattern of global terrorism and militant acts, she said her government will surely take all steps to ensure improved training for the police personnel, especially those police members who are countering terrorist and militant acts. She also suggested ensuring accommodation facilities for all the female trainees of police.
Noting that terrorism and militancy is a global phenomenon and many countries are facing difficulty in curbing those, Hasina said her government has taken the challenge to root out the menace. “We’ll never let Bangladesh to be a terrorist and militant country.”
Referring to an ambassador’s Facebook post after the Gulshan café attack that Bangladesh would not be able to tackle the situation, she said, “But, we have been able to tackle the situation within a few hours and it seemed that some were unhappy with this as they expected that we would seek help from them....but they’re yet to know well the Bangalees.” Praising again the role of police in tackling the Holy Artisan restaurant attack, the Prime Minister they might have to face such challenge in the future. She also alleged that conspiracies are hatched when whenever the country sees development and people live a good life. Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Haque delivered the welcome speech in the programme. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Home Secretary Kamaluddin Ahmed, DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia, DIG of Chittagong Range Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, Additional Police Commissioner of DMP Md Monirul Islam, Additional DIG Habibur Rahman and Police Super of Gazipur Harun-ur-Rashid also spoke on the occasion.