Highest effort for security: New IGP

Bangladesh’s new police chief has said he will give his highest when it will come to providing the security to the people before and during the upcoming parliamentary election.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammad Javed Patwary was speaking in his first briefing in regard to the election, which is expected to be his biggest challenge down the road this year.

“The election will be handled by the Election Commission. The duty of the police will be to arrange security. Police will give their highest, within the law, for this purpose,” he said.

Speaking at the media centre of Police Headquarters in Dhaka, the IGP had the same answer to reporters’ queries on what will be police’s role on February 8, when BNP chief Khaleda Zia’s graft case verdict will be declared.

Patwary replaced AKM Shahidul Hoque as the IGP. His appointment came into effect yesterday.

RESOLVE AGAINST MILITANCY, NARCOTICS

Identifying militancy and narcotics as the main challenge of the 2 lakh police force in the country, the IGP said the force would do everything in its power to curb the two menace factors.

“The prime minister has instructed us to concentrate highest in curbing down narcotics,” he said. “Unless the demand is stopped, there will be supply. We will have to curb the menace.”

“In regard to militancy, we have had many successes in the past. Our drives against militancy will continue and we look forward to further strengthening it. We will not spare militancy.”

IGP Patwary also addressed the issue of crime within the police force. “The force is embarrassed because of actions of some individuals. We will not shoulder responsibilities of personal behaviour. A criminal will be treated according to norms of the law.”