The country’s new police chief offered an apology on Wednesday for the behavior of officers in fatal protests and promised to investigate the deaths of students, civilians and policemen “fairly and independently.” “In these recent protests… our prior responsible authorities did not manage to their obligations as the nation expected them,” Md.Mainul Islam, Inspector General of Police stated.
“Some unprofessional officers broke down the principles guiding use of force and abused human rights. That is why this ongoing violence has persisted resulting in casualties here and there. On behalf of Bangladesh Police, I apologize as the Chief of Police,” said the new IGP. When asked if they would be punished, he replied, “As per police regulations.”
Over 400 people died in weeks-long clashes between protesters and security forces. Many were young men among 44 dead bodies brought to Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Monday who were almost bullet-ridden.
Since Sheikh Hasina fled, mobs have attacked her compatriots as well as police stations and officers. In protest against attacks on law enforcement agencies, police unions have gone on strike. Some overly zealous officials are responsible for many tortured, killed or injured police officials; that’s according to him while calling upon all police units during his address at his office yesterday to call off their strike with effect from Thursday.
In a reshuffle that came hours after President Mohammed Shahabuddin appointed Muhammad Yunus interim head of state, Mainul Islam replaced Habibur Rahman under a notification issued by Bangladesh’s ministry of home affairs. As per the notice released by Ministry of Home Affairs Bangladesh, top brasses of both Police Department along with Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) unit saw major changes in command structure so as to re-establish discipline within forces alongside maintaining societal order.
Additional IGP AKM Shahidur Rhman has been made director general RAB which had earlier been accused over torturing and making disappearances. RAB DG Md Harun-Or-Rashid has been relieved and kept attached to the police as additional IGP.
