Home Minister warns of harsh consequences for police officers aiding 'fallen fascists'

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that he has received information indicating that certain field-level police officers are still assisting the fallen fascists by passing on information. He warned that severe consequences await those involved.

He gave this warning on Saturday (September 26) while delivering a speech at the police medal distribution ceremony at Rajarbagh Police Lines in Dhaka.

"The government, built on a democratic foundation, public expectations, and a two-thirds majority, stands on an extremely strong footing," said the Home Minister.

Warning police officers about the consequences of failing to perform their duties with devotion, he said, "We will not hesitate to charge anyone with treason. I hope you have received the message."

"I want to convey this message to everyone, from the grassroots level up to the IGP. For the necessity of society and the state, we will be forced to take a strict stance," he added.

The Home Minister's warning comes in the backdrop of the arrest and treason case filed against Rakibul Hasan, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Dhaka's Cantonment Police Station, following his remarks regarding the return of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Salahuddin said, "Even today, we have information that some at the field level are neglecting their duties, failing to perform them, and in some cases secretly passing news or otherwise assisting fascist forces. If any police officer, regardless of rank, fails to fulfill public expectations, their outcome will not be good."

In this context, he added that the fallen fascist forces had misused the police force as well. Many were forced to carry out illegal and unlawful orders. "We have provided an opportunity for correction and for earning public trust. Minor mistakes and oversights will be viewed with forgiveness," he pointed out.

Addressing police personnel, the Home Minister said, "People today do not want to see us as kings or rulers. They want to see people-friendly police. Do not engage in any activity anywhere that appears undemocratic to the public."

He also announced that a dedicated Cyber Security Unit will soon be formed within the police force. An Additional Inspector General of Police (Addl. IGP) will head this unit.