New law on doing politics coming; cops have till Thursday to report to stay in force: Adviser Sakhawat

Home Affairs Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain has said the new government is working on a new law on how parties can do politics in Bangladesh.

He has also said all policemen have been ordered to report back to duty by Thursday, otherwise, it will mean they are "unwilling" to continue their job.

An initiative has been taken to formulate a law on how the political parties can do politics in the country, he told the media at his Secretariat office on Sunday (11 August).

"Those who comply with this law will be able to run political parties; those who don't agree will be excluded," he added on his first day in office as an adviser to the newly formed interim government.

He mentioned that he has already requested preparing a draft and will discuss it with the authorities concerned.

He hinted that the "political party act" may require parties to register before doing any kind of politics, adding that "dictatorial manner" by parties will not be tolerated.

Regarding the absence of police since the fall of the Hasina government, Sakhawat said any policemen not reporting for duty within the upcoming Thursday will be considered "unwilling to continue working".

He said the police are "morally down" and "efforts are underway to restore their morale". He added that everything that has happened in recent days will be subject to an investigation. "The judiciary will adjudicate based on the investigation."

Addressing the public, he said, "Do not assault the police. You surely understand the necessity of the police. Whether it is the occurrence of robberies or the fear of them, please try to understand the need for the police."

The adviser also warned that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in extortion using political influence. He said he had already discussed this matter with the Army chief.

Addressing the public, Sakhawat Hussain said, "Do not give in to extortion. If someone asks for money, hold them.

"This needs to stop. I have received reports of extortion in Karwan Bazar and attempts to take over a bank by firing inside it. This cannot continue."

He said, "I do what I say," mentioning that he served in the army.

"A political party linked to Bangabandhu and the history of the independence struggle is now in disarray, fleeing. The country is in a critical situation now, and you are taking advantage of it," he added.

He criticised the vandalism and arson attack on Ganabhaban, Sangsad Bhaban, and Bangabandhu Museum, saying those are state assets and what happened was not right. "However, it's important to recognise that mass uprisings cross limits."

Regarding the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami imposed by the previous government, he commented that it is a "political matter".

Concerning the security of minority communities, he said it is every citizen's duty to protect the minorities. "The majority, in particular, must ensure their safety. If they fail to do so, they too must answer.

"I would request the larger society, they [minorities] are your brothers, you grew up together. Be by their side, stand by any oppressed people.