Those who spread rumours on social media during students’ protest, will not be spared, Inspector General of Police Javed Patwary said today.

Police will not allow anyone to create unrest in the country by spreading rumours on social media, the IGP further said at a press conference at police headquarters this morning.

He urged the people of the country to assess the truth before sharing any information. “Spread the truth, not rumours; and do not create unrest in a peaceful country.”

The students’ demands following the July 29 road accident were logical.  But some intruders, using social media, shared various old photos labeling those as images of murder and rape trying to steer the protest in another direction, said the IGP.

The demands of the students during the July 29 protests were logical but later using social media intruders shared various old photos and perpetrated them as images of murder and rape trying to steer the protest in another direction, said the IGP.

At least a hundred Facebook posts have been identified and 21 cases have been filed in this regard, he said.

The helmet-wearing men

During the briefing, journalists asked about the identity of the helmet wearing men who were seen sizing students with sticks, rods and even sharp weapons during the student protests in Jhigatola and Dhanmondi.

In response, avoiding a direct answer, the IGP said: “It is the duty of police to control the law and order situation of the country and we believe we have the ability to control law and order situation.”

He further added that no one was asked to join and help the law enforcers; but if needed, the law-abiding citizens of the country will be asked to assist police.

On attacks on journalists

The journalists also asked whether it is the failure of the law enforcers that they still could not arrest those who attacked journalists despite images of the attackers being published on social media.

In response, the IGP said that he would not consider it as a failure and that “doing some things take time”.

He further said the detectives and police have been instructed to scrutinise video footages, pictures and the information provided by journalists and catch those responsible.