Nearly all Dhaka cops being changed, they’ll need some time to learn the map: Jahangir

The law and order situation in the country is now "a little better" compared to before but it is "not satisfactory" yet and further improvement is needed soon, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said today (4 November).

"We are changing almost all the police personnel in Dhaka. It will take some time for them [new officials] to learn the city's map and build their intelligence network," he said, seeking time from all to improve the law and order situation.

Talking to reporters after visiting the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) headquarters in the capital's Pilkhana, he said, "BGB has seen a lot of changes as well. That's why it is taking some time, but the situation is gradually improving. It will be better very soon."

"Criminals cannot be spared under any circumstances, no matter how powerful they are. In the past, many powerful criminals have escaped punishment. We cannot allow that to happen anymore," he said.

The adviser went to the BGB headquarters earlier in the morning and held a meeting with BGB officials of all ranks from 9am. BGB Director General Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui and senior officials were present.

Highlighting a series of directives given to BGB, the adviser said, "They should maintain a cordial relationship with the people. Since the BGB works at the border, it's essential to have a good relationship with the public, which will facilitate their work."

Furthermore, emphasising the need to prevent the entry of various illegal goods, including phensedyl, through the border, he said, "We must ensure that this does not happen under any circumstances as these substances cause immense harm to our nation."

When asked about the BGB's stance on preventing Rohingya influx, Jahangir said, "Infiltration is prohibited. However, there is a humanitarian aspect to consider. As you know, there's constant gunfire happening in that belt. While we do send them back, a large number of Rohingyas don't manage to enter.

"We already had 1.2 million Rohingyas, and now it's closer to 1.3 million. I don't deny that some are entering. We will send them back."

Regarding the 2009 BDR mutiny, he said the killings will have to be reinvestigated. "An investigation team will be formed soon."

Since similar incidents are being reinvestigated, this one will also happen, he added. "I can't say what will happen. Something will definitely happen," the adviser said without elaborating.

Asked why police did not do anything over the torching of the Jatiya Party's Bijaynagar, which is close to Ramna Police Station, the home affairs adviser said, "I don't know why that happened at this moment. I can't answer that. I will check and see."