Retirees to investigate cases during mass uprising: IGP

 
Police chief Baharul Alam has said retired officers will investigate cases nationwide related to violence during the Anti-discrimination Student Movement.
He also promised not to harass 'innocent accused' in these cases.

The Inspector General of Police, or IGP, made these remarks at a press conference at the Police Headquarters on Thursday, 15 days after taking charge. Highlighting the formation of 'monitoring and mentoring' committees in eight police ranges to investigate these cases during the July-August movement, he said that retired officers will also be involved in their investigation.

Baharul, who retired four years ago, took charge as the new IGP on Nov 20.

At the press conference, he offered his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the student-public movement and apologised on behalf of the police force.

He wished those injured a speedy recovery. "During this movement, some police officers broke the law and went to extremes with the help of the fascist government.

"Innocent policemen have also been killed. On behalf of the police force, I express my sincere condolences to the families of each martyr and apologise," he added. Highlighting the involvement of retired officers in the investigation of the case, the IGP said: "We formed separate mentoring and monitoring committees for these cases according to the divisions (ranges) across the country on Wednesday, reports bdnews24.com.

"We have formed eight separate mentoring teams at eight places with senior and experienced, knowledgeable investigators and retired officers who have vast experience.

"Their role is to guide and mentor investigation officers handling those cases at each police station as needed."
Explaining the reason for this step, Baharul said: "The skills of many are actually not up to the mark, which is why we have formed the mentoring teams.

"I believe this will increase the quality of the investigation at least by some extent."

In response to a question about involving students more in traffic work, the IGP said: "We are doing this for a temporary period. However, there is an opportunity - we can take the help of those who are BNCC, cadets or scouts."

"Following such a change, our capacity has faced a challenge. Specifically, we failed to place the right person in the right position," he said.
"We are working on internal restructuring and re-organisation. Initially, we had to do several transfer-postings for various reasons.

"Now we are trying to find them in that place so that at least one can conduct a proper investigation, find them and give them the responsibility of this work."

Many cases have been filed across the country over various incidents, including murders, during the mass uprising.
There have been allegations that many innocent people have been accused in these cases.

Asked about how innocent people will be excluded from the cases, the police chief said: "The government is repeatedly saying that no innocent person should be harassed."

Some of the accused in the murder cases, which took place after the Awami League government was ousted from power, are returning, according to him.

When asked what the procedure will be for cases of such incidents, the IGP said: "In this case, we have a clear legal procedure.
"If the case is filed due to a misunderstanding then the issue of false case against one will not arise. But if it was done willingly, then the law says the plaintiff has to face the trial under Section 211. That's what we should follow."