RAJSHAHI: Inspector general of police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Haque on Friday categorically said they cannot allow the country to be an extremism plagued state with Taliban ideas.

He further said, “Political parties can have different views against the government, and can stage demonstrations against it. Police will give protection to them.”

“But, it is important to take legal actions against those who commit violence and sabotage,” he added.

IGP Shahidul Haque made these assertions while exchanging views with the journalists at Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) headquarters Friday afternoon.

Terming the ongoing demonstrations by BNP-led 20-party as “terror activities”, he urged people to resist those who burn people hurling petrol bombs.

He also said police and people have to act cooperatively to thwart violence.

Rajshahi range DIG Iqbal Bahar, RMP Commissioner M Shamsuddin, RAB-5 Commander Lieutenant Colonel Mahbub Alam were, among others, present in the meeting.

Earlier, he held a closed door meeting with the superintendents of police of Rajshahi Range.

BDST: 2113 HRS, FEB 06, 2015