Home Affairs Adviser Brigadier General (Retired) M Sakhawat Hussain said that arming the police with lethal weapons was not appropriate.

“Whoever provided these weapons did so for this reason (massacre). [Let’s ensure] that it is not repeated in the future," he said while addressing the media at the Central Police Hospital in Dhaka after visiting police members who suffered injuries during clashes in the recent mass protests.

Sakhawat criticized the centralization of power, condemning those who, despite causing the deaths of thousands, sought to cling to power during the previous regime.

"This country cannot be run like someone's personal or familial property," he said, emphasizing that the era of using the police as a private militia is over.

To ensure accountability and proper governance, Sakhawat announced plans to place the police under the authority of a Police Commission.

"The police will be under the Police Commissioner, who will take orders from the Police Commission. This is the people's police," he said, highlighting the need for depoliticizing the force.

Addressing the demoralization within the police force, he acknowledged the grievances of police officers and promised to address their demands, asking for time to implement changes.

Regarding the ongoing situation, Sakhawat emphasized that police officers must report back to their respective units or face necessary actions. "We will set a specific date after discussions. If they do not rejoin by that date, we will consider them a disaster," he said.

He assured that any gaps would be filled immediately, adding, "I have many mechanisms. You will see that within seven days, the police will be fully operational."

Regarding the killings during the student protest, Sakhawat vowed to seek out and punish those who ordered the misuse of police power.

"We must identify who used the police in this manner and uncover their true intentions. Those responsible should be severely punished, whether in the country or abroad,” he added.

He called on the public for their support, assuring that normalcy would return to the country with their cooperation and the proper functioning of the police force.

During his briefing, Shakhawat also spoke of the change in political culture, corruption and the unbiased role of the media.

BDST: 1637 HRS, AUGUST 11, 2024
MSK