No ‘magic’ for reducing crimes: IGP

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Baharul Alam, said on Saturday that the police do not have any ‘magic’ to reduce crimes. He emphasised that measures are being taken to address the issue.

He made these comments on Saturday during an event organised by the Bangladesh Retired Police Officers Welfare Association (BRPOWA) at Rajarbagh Police Lines in the capital.

In response to questions from journalists about the rising incidents of theft, snatching, and murders in Dhaka and across the country, the IGP said, "You can see the measures we are taking to reduce these crimes."

He said, "Instructions have been given to the Police Superintendents across the country, including Dhaka. You know the situation and where we are coming from to carry out our work."

The IGP further mentioned that efforts are being made to revitalize the police force, rebuild public trust, and boost morale. "We want to get closer to the people. We ask for more cooperation and acceptance from the public. We are also seeking help from representatives of the anti-discrimination student movement, so they can bring us closer to the community. I believe that without this, the police cannot fight crime alone, but we are trying," he said.

The IGP also mentioned that arrangements are being made for promotions for police officers whose service tenure is about to end in 10 to 12 days.

He went on to add, "I myself retired earlier but have returned to duty. How much I can accomplish, I do not know, but I will try. I seek your support and advice, so I can leave with respect when the time comes."

Regarding the threats to student coordinators in various districts, the IGP said, "We have analysed each incident and resolved them. The incident in Kaliakair was a snatching case, and in Narayanganj, it was a mobile phone snatching. We have taken the student coordinators to Narayanganj, where they met the victim's family, and they are satisfied. This was not a target killing."

He also mentioned two other threatening incidents, one in Mymensingh involving a school student. "We arrested him, a tenth-grade student, and returned him to his parents' custody."

The IGP confirmed that a student named Meher from BRAC University had been threatened, and the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police arrested Zahid Hasan from Sirajganj in connection with the incident.

"We are working to resolve each case, but not all incidents are connected by the same thread," he said.

When asked about the fire at the Secretariat, the IGP said, "The committee will address this; I cannot comment on it."