Recovery of illegal arms a top priority before polls

Inspector General of Police Mohammad Javed Patwary yesterday instructed field-level police officials to attach top priority to recovering illegal firearms and take measures to stop illegal use of legal firearms ahead of the national election.

“No one will be given any chance to deteriorate law and order and create anarchy centring the national election,” the IGP told a half-yearly crime conference at the Police Headquarters (PHQ).  

Meeting sources said referring to the recent student movement following a road accident on July 29, the IGP also asked the police members to be vigilant so that no incident like that could lead to any anarchic situation.

He also asked the officials to remain alert so that no individual or quarter deteriorate law and order spreading fake news and rumours using social media.

He hoped that they would be able to help in holding a good election with the efforts of all.

Chaired by the police chief, the meeting was attended by commissioners of all metropolitan cities, deputy inspector generals of all ranges, superintendents of police of all districts, chiefs of all police units in Dhaka and high officials of the PHQ. 

The IGP praised efforts of the police force for their achievement in curbing the menace of militancy in Bangladesh and said: “The emergence of militancy is now under control and we will have to continue the effort against the militancy.”

About enforcement of traffic rules, he said no violators would be spared, even in the case of a member of the police. “Stern action will be taken against all violators.”

The IGP also asked police superintendents across the country to take measures so that people could celebrate the Ashura and Durga Puja smoothly.

The meeting reviewed the crime situation of January-June when 1,14,124 cases were filed across the country.