Police seek information on police, even school friends not spared

Verifying personal information of government employees is nothing new. During recruitment, promotion, and sometimes important postings—these are scrutinized. But police are also seeking information about who was a friend during school life! Information on 26 types of matters is being collected about members from constable to inspector rank serving at the field level. Among these, information has also been sought about who were the police members' school friends.

Through this, affiliations with political parties or activities, roles in the anti-discrimination student movement, and current activities are being verified. Police members who held important responsibilities in various units during the Awami League government are being listed and brought under observation. Additional Commissioner (Administration) of CMP Wahidul Haque Chowdhury told Agamir Somoy, "There is nothing complicated about the matter of collecting information on police members. Information is also collected for creating online databases."

Those concerned believe these steps are being taken to ensure strict discipline and full preparedness within the force in advance, fearing political instability may arise in the coming days. Assistant Inspector General (AIG-Media) of Police Headquarters Kamarum Munira told Agamir Somoy, "Some discussions and statements centering the month of December on social media and various channels have come to our attention. Police are keeping a close watch on the overall law and order situation. Intelligence surveillance, patrolling, security of important installations, and the activities of law enforcement agencies in crime-prone areas are continuing. If anyone attempts to deteriorate the law and order situation, or is involved in violence or sabotage, action will be taken against them according to existing laws. Our main goal is to ensure the safety of people's lives and property and to maintain peace and stability in any situation." When asked about the vetting of police members and strictness regarding leave, she said, "The matter of vetting is completely confidential. The Special Branch may also do it. It is not something I should know. It is also not a matter to be disclosed to the media."

Agamir Somoy spoke with several officials of Chattogram city and district police, Highway Police, and the Police Bureau of Investigation on these matters. There is anxiety among police members about what is going to happen in December. Many are in a dilemma about how to perform their duties in the emerging situation. At least three officials of inspector rank in the city police said that if anyone needs regular leave, they have been urged to take it by November. They have been informed that leave applications will not be granted in December except for urgent needs. However, CMP Commissioner Hasan Mohammad Shawkat Ali told Agamir Somoy, "We have no anxiety about December. We are not thinking about it. We will continue our routine work with professionalism." Regarding strictness on leave, he said, "So far everyone is getting leave according to normal rules."

However, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed recently spoke of a tough stance to counter attempts to create instability in the country. Subsequently, on October 25, vetting instructions were sent from the Special Branch to various units according to a specific list of police members. They were asked to provide information by November 2. Alongside personal acquaintances, information has been sought on whether the concerned police member was involved in any kind of politics during student life, whether they currently hold any political ideology, whether they committed any human rights violations by using excessive force during the 2024 anti-discrimination student movement, and what kinds of benefits they enjoyed during the previous (Awami League) government.

Additionally, an initiative has been taken to update personal and service-related information of police members from constable to inspector rank through collecting 26 types of information. The information includes—details of officials' current and previous workplaces. Detailed information on educational life including names of schools, colleges, and universities and names and numbers of friends known at that time. Detailed professions of close relatives including mother-father, husband-wife, children, brothers-sisters, father-in-law and mother-in-law, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, maternal uncle, paternal uncle, paternal aunt, and maternal aunt, etc.

Information on their Current and permanent addresses, their employment history, workplace, posting, and departmental punishment (if any) have also been warranted.